Words alone couldn’t do justice to the story which actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise told, shortly after being announced as Grand Marshal of the 2018 Rose Parade® in Pasadena on Monday.

Since the parade’s theme is “Making a Difference”, Sinise was selected for his support of veterans, service members and first responders.   Among his many honors for service are the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment from the Medal of Honor Society and the Spirit of the USO Award.

In addition to having entertained troops all over the world with his band, his Gary Sinise Foundation, which he created in 2011, provides special programs to serve and give back to military service members, their families and veterans, as well as first responders.

Here is what he said, when asked who made a difference in his life.