Friend, 

It’s Gary Sinise here.  

You may know me from my roles in movies like Apollo 13 and The Green Mile or the CBS television series CSI: NY – but it was in 1994 playing the role of Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump that changed my life and inspired my enduring connection to our defenders, veterans, and first responders.  

I've served as an Honorary Grand Marshal for the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. nearly every year since American Veterans Center revived it in 2005.  

But I’ve never been more excited to serve as an Honorary Grand Marshall than I am this year – the year of America’s 250th birthday. 

Friend, this Memorial Day marks the first major national act of remembrance of the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend America from its enemies and ensure it has remained the Land of the Free for the last 250 years.  

And this year’s National Memorial Day Parade will be a special edition – the biggest parade yet – where national memory meets living history as veterans from every military generation celebrate America and honor the service and sacrifice of their fallen brethren.  

Friend, the National Memorial Day Parade is ENIRELY FUNDED by private contributions, including from generous patriots like you.  

In light of America’s 250th birthday and the special opportunity we have to honor veterans this year, will you chip in today to help support the parade with a gift of $25, $50, $75, $150, or more? 

WWII veterans were a key part of the first parade when it was revived in 2005, as they have been every year since for the last 20 years.  

But this may be the last year we have the opportunity to have these brave men and women with us for the parade.

This year is a rare moment when living witnesses to World War II and America’s 250th birthday overlap.  

Will you join AVC and me in making a concerted effort to ensure these veterans are at this year’s historic National Memorial Day parade to honor them one last time? 

And no matter how much you can give to this important cause, I want to ask something additional of you.

On Memorial Day – not just this momentous year of military milestones, but every year – please join me in honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.  

Come to the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.  

Visit a local veterans’ cemetery.  

Send a note to a family of the fallen.  

Or simply take a quiet moment to think about the men and women who gave their lives to defend OUR country. 

I believe that while we can never do enough to express our gratitude to our defenders, veterans, and first responders, we can always do a little more. 

Friend, thank you for your support of America’s heroes.  

And please, if you’re able, make a gift to fund the National Memorial Day parade right now during America’s 250th birthday.