Gary Sinise’s Foundation Hosting Veterans’ Trip to National WWII Museum in New Orleans

The annual excursion, from April 29 to May 2, is part of the foundation’s ‘Soaring Valor’ program.

Actor Gary Sinise at the 27th National Memorial Day Concert Rehearsals in Washington, on May 28, 2016. Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capitol Concerts

Award-winning actor Gary Sinise is once again helping one of America’s greatest generations, the veterans of World War II, embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

The “Forrest Gump” star’s nonprofit organization, the Gary Sinise Foundation, is hosting an all-expenses-paid trip to Louisiana later this month for those who served during the 1939–1945 global war.

“We’re bringing World War II veterans and their guardians to New Orleans to tour the National WWII Museum built in their honor,” the charity’s website said. “Their experience includes entertainment, celebratory meals, and community building with their fellow heroes.”

The annual excursion, which will take place from April 29 to May 2, is part of the foundation’s “Soaring Valor” program. Launched in 2015, the initiative was expanded two years later to allow high school students to tag along.

“Our WWII veterans fought to save the world from tyranny. The freedom we know today is thanks to their bravery and valor. They taught us the true meaning of patriotism, and we remain forever grateful for their sacrifices,” the website says.

“Students who accompany our veterans carry on their stories with a new appreciation for the sacrifices made by an entire generation.”

Formerly known as The National D-Day Museum, the New Orleans exhibition notes online that of the nearly 16.5 million Americans who served during World War II, only about 66,000 of the veterans are alive today.

“Every veteran is a living library. We’ve partnered with The National WWII Museum to record the individual stories of America’s Greatest Generation and share them with the world,” Sinise’s nonprofit said.

Veterans who want to participate but cannot travel will still have the opportunity to be interviewed by a historian in their homes.

Sinise, 70, began helping service members following the deadly Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the New York World Trade Center. He established the foundation a decade later to continue his support of wounded veterans and first responders.

In addition to “Soaring Valor,” some of the charity’s other projects include the Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) program, which works to build specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans.

Veterans who have suffered trauma, injury, or illness can get financial assistance, such as help in paying bills or buying groceries, through the nonprofit’s H.O.P.E. initiative.

The organization also supports the needs of first responders by providing funding for necessary equipment, emergency relief, and training.