Gary Sinise is known for many roles, from acclaimed actor to veterans’ advocate. But on Monday evening at the Nixon Library, he spoke to a sold-out audience in a more personal role: father.
Before the talk, Sinise helped lead a swearing-in ceremony for 20 U.S. Army recruits. He then joined Nixon Foundation President and CEO Jim Byron for a conversation about his new book, Graceful Warrior: The True Story of a Son, a Father, and a Family Who Carried Each Other Through.
In the book, Sinise shares the story of his son, Mac, who was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer at 27. Sinise said writing it helped him heal, and because cancer touches so many people, he hopes his family’s story can help others.
“It’s not a book about cancer,” he said. “It’s a book about resilience and hope and faith and courage and grace.”
Like Mac, who never lost sight of his blessings even as his illness progressed, Sinise said “we all have the capacity to be a graceful warrior.”
The program closed with a video performance of “Triumphant,” a stirring piece by Mac Sinise, who completed an album of original music in the final months of his life.
Watch the full conversation:
