According to the internet, The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award of the United States, bestowed by decision of the President. Appropriate candidates for this award include those who have made an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
Based on that definition, I hereby nominate Gary Sinise for this great honor and invite all of you who agree to second my nomination below. Hopefully, the President will take note. Because honestly, who has done more to serve our nation’s veterans and first responders than Gary Sinise?
Since its inception, The Gary Sinise Foundation has served our military and first responders like no other organization. To date, they have served over a million meals and donated 94 “smart homes” to severely wounded veterans and their families. They have also modified and retrofitted hundreds of preexisting homes, donated hundreds of specially adapted vehicles and mobility devices, and supported countless Gold Star families in a variety of ways. Gary has spent thousands of hours visiting hundreds of military bases all over the world, and his Lt. Dan Band—which he pays for out of his own pocket—has entertained our troops on nearly 600 occasions.
But beyond all that, Gary’s determination and humility have become the benchmark for any public figure trying to elevate a righteous cause. Over the years, his efforts have inspired me to use my own influence (such as it is) to reinvigorate the skilled trades and help close America’s skills gap. But whenever I start feeling satisfied with the progress we’ve made, I look at Gary’s efforts and realize I could be doing so much more.
Last month, shortly after the fires raged through Los Angeles, Gary flew to Santa Monica to share his son’s music on my podcast. Mac Sinise was a very talented composer who lost his fight with a rare form of cancer early last year. Now, Gary is on a mission to make sure people know just how large a talent his son possessed by sharing his music far and wide. However, on that particular morning, long before we met at my studio, Gary was on the beach in Malibu feeding hundreds of tired and hungry first responders. He and his merry band of volunteers had risen with the sun to care for hundreds of first responders who were still working round the clock. Then, after our podcast, Gary rushed off to play another benefit with The Lt. Dan Band.
What kind of person does that, day after day, month after month, for over two decades?
If you listen to our conversation, https://bit.ly/3E1PJjR, you’ll understand why Gary is so eager to share his son’s music. It really is superb and currently available on two pieces of collectible vinyl. Sure, you can also listen to “Resurrection & Revival” on Apple or Spotify, but record players are making a comeback, vinyl is cool again, and these albums are a beautiful tribute. Most importantly—100% of the album sales benefit the Gary Sinise Foundation, per Mac’s final wishes. You can get your copy here https://bit.ly/4cmPcWE, or you can hop over to eBay and bid on mine! https://www.ebay.com/itm/267206261403
After our podcast, Gary signed two of Mac’s albums for me. As you can see, I’ve added my own signature below his (which I hope will not diminish the value of these keepsakes). Again, all proceeds will be donated by mikeroweWORKS to The Gary Sinise Foundation, so please, feel free to bid wildly and irresponsibly. And yes, Mr. President Donald J. Trump, that goes for you too!
If I may be so bold, I personally recommend you listen to “The Rise” when you have a moment. https://bit.ly/4lbVJHr It’s a terrific composition and a perfect way for a busy president to start his day. Or, better still, a fine soundtrack to accompany the award ceremony, where you present Gary Sinise with The Medal of Freedom.
Honestly, no one deserves it more.
Thanks!
PS. Once again, here’s the link to eBay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/267206261403
Auction ends Thursday night.