Gary Sinise will share the deeply personal story behind Graceful Warrior—his tribute to his son, Mac, and to the family that carried one another through an unimaginable season with faith, humor, creativity, and hope.
We are honored to have Medal of Honor Recipient David Bellavia join this conversation to discuss the everyday choices that give courage, connection, and service their deepest meaning.
STANDARD ADMISSION | 7–8 P.M. $45
Includes an advance copy of Graceful Warrior and the hour-long fireside chat with Gary and David.
VIP EXPERIENCE | 6–8 P.M. $60 [SOLD OUT]
Includes everything in Standard admission, plus a private reception and meet-and-greet with special guests from 6–7 p.m., including a book signing and photo opportunities.
NEW VENUE! MORE SEATS NOW AVAILABLE!
Gary Sinise is an Oscar-nominated actor and Emmy, Golden Globe, and two-time Screen Actors Guild Award winner, known for acclaimed films including Forrest Gump and Apollo 13.
A New York Times bestselling author, he has spent nearly four decades advocating for America’s veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families. He has received the Presidential Citizens Medal for his service.
After nearly a lifetime serving veterans and their families, Gary came to recognize that the courage he had witnessed in others had quietly prepared him for his own family's journey. His experiences through the Gary Sinise Foundation took on profound new meaning as he walked beside his son, Mac.
Born in Buffalo and raised in western New York, David Bellavia studied biology and theater before enlisting in the U.S. Army as an infantryman in 1999. His commitment to service was shaped in part by his grandfather, a World War II veteran of the Normandy campaign.
During the Battle of Fallujah, Bellavia placed himself in the path of enemy fire to protect the members of his platoon, then voluntarily reentered a fortified house to clear it. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions in 2019.
Since leaving the Army, Bellavia has continued to serve as an author, journalist, and veterans advocate. During this event, he brings another deeply personal perspective—reflecting with Gary on courage, memory, and the relationships that sustain us.
The National Medal of Honor Museum’s fireside chats create space for candid, personal conversations with people whose lives illuminate the values of the Medal of Honor: courage & sacrifice, commitment & integrity, citizenship & patriotism.
Carried with the intimacy of a personal conversation, audiences hear not only what happened but what it meant—and how those lessons can shape how each of us lives, leads, and serves.
Graceful Warrior: A Fireside Chat with Gary Sinise is brought to you through the Choctaw Nation Fall Programming Series
A special add-on, this VIP event includes an advance copy of Graceful Warrior and an opportunity to have it signed by author Gary Sinise. VIP Guests Only. Limited seating.
Additional book copies will be available at the event.
Gary Sinise and David Bellavia share an intimate conversation in Brady Hall about Mac, courage, and a life of service. Includes an advance copy of Graceful Warrior. Available for all ticketed guests. Limited seating.
All advance copies of Graceful Warrior are provided by local bookstore, Interabang Books. Additional copies of the book will be availabe for purchase during the event.
Available in bookstores nationwide on November 10.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States, proudly presents the Fall Programming Series in partnership with the National Medal of Honor Museum. Through programs for all ages, the series honors veterans and Medal of Honor Recipients while exploring the shared values of courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, citizenship, and patriotism.
There's always a new way to step into the stories at the National Medal of Honor Museum.
