Gary Sinise honors son, veterans at PBS 'National Memorial Day Concert'
USA Today • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Gary Sinise will honor 102-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor Chuck Kohler during the 37th annual PBS "National Memorial Day Concert" on May 24, a televised event paying tribute to U.S. veterans.
- Sinise, known for his role in "Forrest Gump" and veteran advocacy, emphasizes the urgency of honoring dwindling World War II veterans, with 1,000 passing away daily.
- The concert is a nonpartisan event focused on honoring military service across American history, featuring co-host Mary McCormack and musical performances by Mickey Guyton, Jamey Johnson, and Alan Jackson.
- The National Symphony Orchestra will perform compositions by Sinise's late son Mac Sinise, who died in 2024 from chordoma, adding a personal tribute to the event.
- The program includes veteran stories from actors Noah Wyle, Melissa Leo, and Jonathan Banks, with special recognition of Vietnam War veterans, Gold Star families, and the 85th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.