‘Forrest Gump’ Actor, 70, to Perform Free Concert for Veterans and First Responders originally appeared on Parade.
Actor Gary Sinise is a man of the people. Tonight, Friday, July 11, the Forrest Gump alum, 70, will be performing with the Lt. Dan Band in Breezy Point, Queens.
As a part of Rockaway Warriors Weekend, Sinise and his longtime bandmates are putting on a free, open-to-the-public show at the Breezy Point Athletic Field at 7 p.m. ET.
Breezy Point is home to many New York City firefighters and police officers.
Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band was formed in 2003 as part of the Gary Sinise Foundation, its name inspired by Sinise’s iconic role as Lt. Dan Taylor, a wounded Vietnam War veteran in the 1994 Academy Award-winning film Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks.
🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬
Since its creation, the band has performed nearly 600 shows around the world, uplifting and entertaining service members, first responders, and the communities they protect.
Sinise has previously opened up about his connection to New York City’s first responders, particularly after the September 11 attacks.
“I remember after September 11, 2001, I just found this aching, this terrible feeling, this broken heart, this sadness,” Sinise said in a statement. “And I remember going to our little Catholic church on the Friday after the Tuesday … the priest, I don’t even know if he said this, but I heard it that day — that service to others can be a great way to heal your broken heart. And after that, I began to take action to support our defenders, including right here in New York City.”
Sinise’s love of music also allows him to keep his late son Mac’s memory alive. Mac died in January 2024 from a rare bone cancer.
Following Mac’s tragic passing, Sinise discovered music on his son’s laptop, recruiting loved ones to record a second album. Mac had released his first album, Resurrection & Revival, prior to his death.
Proceeds from Resurrection & Revival: Parts 1 and 2 are going toward the Gary Sinise Foundation, which was Mac’s request.
“I want people to hear his music. I want people to share it. I’m on a mission,” Sinise told People.
‘Forrest Gump’ Actor, 70, to Perform Free Concert for Veterans and First Responders first appeared on Parade on Jul 11, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
