Citing his charity work with veterans and local connections to Pasadena, actor Gary Sinise was named the Grand Marshall for the 2018 Tournament of Roses Parade.
Sinise, best known for his roles in Forest Gump, Apollo 13, and CSI: NY, will lead the 129th annual Rose parade which is themed as "Making a Difference" on Jan. 1st. Tournament of Roses President Lance Tibbet said Sinise was the perfect choice this year. He hailed the actor's many years of work supporting veterans through the Gary Sinise Foundation which offers support to military families.
``Gary's humanitarian work with our defenders, veterans, first responders and their families over the years embodies our theme to the fullest,'' Tibbet said. ``As members of a community, a country and a planet, we all have the ability, power and responsibility to help one another and as Gary likes to say, we can always do a little more.''
The 62-year-old actor will lead the 129th Rose parade as well as participate in the festivities around the 104th Rose Bowl game. Sinise will be joined by Isabella Marie Marez, a resident from Altadena who was selected on Oct. 18th as the 2018 Rose Queen.