Gary Sinise’s Disney Trips for Children of Fallen Heroes Are Real—but the Viral Numbers Need Correction
A viral post claims that Forrest Gump star Gary Sinise has taken nearly 2,000 children of fallen soldiers to Disneyland.
The underlying humanitarian program is real.
Through Snowball Express, the Gary Sinise Foundation supports children and surviving spouses or caregivers of fallen military personnel. Its annual gathering has brought large groups of families to Walt Disney World for several days of remembrance, connection and recreation.
However, the viral graphic combines different numbers and uses the wrong Disney resort.
The famous 2018 event included approximately 1,750 participants in total. More than 1,000 of them were children; the remainder included surviving parents or caregivers. The destination was Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida—not Disneyland in California.
The fairest verdict is:
The charitable program is genuine, but “nearly 2,000 kids” is an exaggeration created by treating the total number of participants as though every participant were a child.
Who Is Gary Sinise?
Gary Sinise is an American actor known for films and television series including Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Of Mice and Men and CSI: NY.
His portrayal of Lieutenant Dan Taylor, a wounded Vietnam veteran in Forrest Gump, became one of his best-known roles. Over time, the role also helped connect him with veterans, service members and military families.
Sinise began participating in events supporting wounded veterans and created the Lt. Dan Band, which has performed at military bases and benefit events.
In 2011, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation to formalize and expand his charitable work.
The foundation supports wounded veterans, first responders and families who have lost loved ones in service.