Gary Sinise is widely known for his unwavering patriotism and his dedication to serving disabled veterans. However, what many people may not know is that his connection to the character of Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the iconic film Forrest Gump began long before he ever stepped foot on set.
Forrest Gump was a blockbuster hit in 1994 and has become one of the decade’s most beloved films. One of the most memorable characters in the film was Lieutenant Dan Taylor, played by Gary Sinise. Lieutenant Dan was Forrest Gump’s tough and no-nonsense senior officer who is saved by Gump on the battlefield. Despite surviving, he loses both of his legs.
Sinise’s portrayal of Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump thrust him into a life of helping veterans around the world. However, what many people are not aware of is Sinise’s personal connection to warriors like Lieutenant Dan, which began long before he became a Hollywood star.
Sinise comes from a family with a long history of military service, dating back to his grandfather who served in the U.S. Army during World War I. His uncle flew thirty missions as a navigator during World War II, and his father served in the Navy during the Korean War. This strong foundation of patriotism played a significant role in shaping Sinise’s values as a young man.
However, it wasn’t until he met his wife, Moira Harris, that Sinise truly understood the unique struggles of Vietnam veterans. According to the Gary Sinise Foundation, the actor began seeking out stories about Vietnam, a topic that weighed heavily on him as Moira’s two brothers and brother-in-law had all served during the war.
This experience opened Sinise’s eyes to the need for appreciation and support for these veterans who had been treated poorly upon their return home.
“I realized early on that the character [of Lieutenant Dan] was kind of an ice breaker,” Sinise told The Arizona Republic. ”There were a lot of veterans that were not in very good shape, and yet I would walk in and their faces would light up and they’d want to talk about the movie. Over the years, that character has been connected with our wounded and our service members.
You know, I love the story of Lt. Dan because it’s a happy ending.”
This realization inspired Sinise to start his foundation, which aims to aid wounded and disabled veterans. “When our veterans came home from the Vietnam War, they were not treated well and had to disappear into the shadows,” Sinise said. “When we started deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan, I wanted to do my part to make sure the men and women doing their part were appreciated.”
In addition to speaking with his wife’s brothers about their experiences in Vietnam, Sinise also prepared for his role as Lieutenant Dan by reading the book Fortunate Son by Lewis Puller Jr. This Pulitzer Prize-winning autobiography is based on Puller’s experiences in Vietnam, where he lost both of his legs and his left hand. Puller’s father is also a war hero, making him the most decorated Marine in history.
Due to his strong support for the military, Sinise has been asked if he regrets not serving in the armed forces himself. “At the time I graduated high school, the Vietnam War was just ending,” he explained. “It was not something I was going to do. When I met my wife’s brothers, and I learned more about the Vietnam experience and what it was like for them, I felt guilty that I had not paid much attention when I was in school.”
“I suppose out of that guilty feeling arose a commitment to do something to help our veterans,” Sinise declared. “Those early seeds grew into a full-time commitment. So I suppose I am trying to make up for not having served in uniform by giving back to those who did.” He also reminded all Americans that we have a personal duty to care for our American heroes.
“Government can only do so much,” Sinise said. “I believe citizens have a role to play. After all, less than 1 percent of our population actually defends the rest of the country, and we all benefit from their sacrifices as we enjoy the freedom they take an oath to protect. They are our freedom providers, and I know that my freedom must be fought for and protected.”
In conclusion, Gary Sinise’s connection to Lieutenant Dan and his dedication to helping veterans is a true testament to his unwavering patriotism and commitment to giving back to those who have served our country. His personal connection to the character and his family’s military history have shaped his passion for supporting and honoring our American heroes.
