Gary Sinise to serve as the 2018 Tournament of Roses grand marshal

Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Actor, musician and humanitarian Gary Sinise has been chosen to serve as the 2018 Tournament of Roses grand marshal.

The Forrest Gump and CSI: NY alum -- who is also famous for his advocacy for U.S. veterans and first responders -- is expected to ride in the 129th Rose Parade and participate in the pre-game celebration of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game.

Both events are to take place Jan. 1 in Pasadena, Calif.

"The 2018 theme, 'Making a Difference,' is a way to honor and celebrate all of the people in our communities, who quietly and without desire for reward or recognition, act in selfless, generous and kind ways to aid or benefit others. Gary Sinise is absolutely one of those people. Gary's humanitarian work with our defenders, veterans, first responders and their families over the years, embodies our theme to the fullest," Tournament of Roses President Lance Tibbet said in a statement Monday. "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."