Despite the media and politicians doing everything they can to keep us divided, there are still people in the world who - no matter the circumstances - are just good people.
Actor and philanthropist Gary Sinise is definitely one of those people. So when you get an opportunity to give a heartfelt thank you to someone who deserves, but never asks for it, you do it.
Back in February, people from all over Hollywood, along with “heroes from the military, first responders, Medal of Honor recipients, Gold Star families and the USO” sent in clips of their gratitude to Sinise, who through his foundation, has inspired so many to be as generous as he is. The original video garnered over 460,000 views on YouTube.
Now, the Gary Sinise Foundation's YouTube channel has released a new video of Sinise reacting to the video of all of those people thanking the actor and being #GratefulLikeGary. The video is going viral, with over 233,000 views in just 3 days — as of this writing.
“Thank you,” Sinise said with tears in his eyes. “I didn’t see that coming.”
And that’s why Sinise deserves every bit of praise he receives.
According to the description section of the reaction video:
In honor of his commitment, our CEO, General Robin Rand, made a surprise video for Gary with General Colin Powell, Tom Hanks, Jay Leno, Robin Roberts, Ron Howard, Rob Lowe, Robert DeNiro, Maria Shriver, Tim Allen, Steve Buscemi, Joe Mantegna, Kristin Chenoweth, Richard Rawlings, Judd Apatow, Mayim Bialik, Sela Ward, Tim Allen, Aaron Eckhart, Iliza Shlesinger, Jeff Perry, Donal Logue and Kellie Pickler along with our heroes from the military, first responders, Medal of Honor recipients, Gold Star families and the USO, all expressing their gratitude to Gary’s for his humanitarian work, hoping to inspire people to give back.
Sinise’s reaction in the video is just like the 64-year-old Blue Island, Ill. native — genuine and heartwarming.
Take a look:
The fact that people from all across the political spectrum took the time to give thanks to Sinise speaks volumes about the heart of the man.
Much like Sinise, the Gary Sinise Foundation never rests.
On Wednesday, the foundation announced that they will be building two new “smart homes” for two police officers from Missouri who were both shot in the line of duty. Both homes will be “fully accessible in the officers wheelchairs. The homes are “mortgage-fee and come furnished,” according to WGN.
For video of former Officers Ryan O’Connor and Mathew Crosby expressing their gratitude for the efforts of the foundation, click here.
According to their website, here’s the Gary Sinise Foundation’s mission statement:
At the Gary Sinise Foundation, we serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.
We do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.
I think it’s safe to say that Sinise is absolutely a great American. Thank you, Mr. Sinise.