Loading…
OCTOBER 29, 2026 | 7 P.M .
Graceful Warrior: A Fireside Chat
Join acclaimed actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise and Medal of Honor Recipient David Bellavia for a conversation about courage, friendship, and the enduring legacy of Mac Sinise.
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.
Medal of Honor Recipient David Bellavia knew Mac as a close friend. At the Museum, their shared memories become an intimate conversation about the person behind the pages—and about the everyday choices that give courage, connection, and service their deepest meaning.
Only for one night. Only at the National Medal of Honor Museum.
Standard admission includes the hour-long fireside chat with Gary and David in the Neel Kearby Theater. The VIP experience adds a private reception, an advance copy of Graceful Warrior, and a meet-and-greet with special guests, including a book signing and photo opportunities.
ACTOR | HUMANITARIAN | AUTHOR
Gary Sinise
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.
MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
David Bellavia
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, David 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, David has continued to serve as an author, journalist, and veterans advocate. At the Museum, he brings another deeply personal perspective: that of Mac Sinise’s close friend, reflecting with Gary on courage, memory, and the relationships that sustain us.
THE MUSEUM'S FIRESIDE CHAT SERIES
Closer to the stories. Closer to the Values.
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.
In the intimacy of the Neel Kearby Theater, audiences hear not only what happened but what it meant—and how those lessons can shape how each of us lives, leads, and serves.
EVENING AT A GLANCE
6 P.M. - 7 P.M. | PRIVATE RECEPTION + BOOK SIGNING
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.
7 P.M. - 8 P.M | FIRESIDE CHAT
Gary Sinise and David Bellavia share an intimate conversation in Neel Kearby Theater about Mac, courage, and a life of service.
Available for all ticketed guests. Limited seating.ADVANCE BOOK PURCHASE
Carry the story—and its call to live with gratitude and purpose—home with you. A limited number of advance copies of Graceful Warrior will be available for purchase at the event while supplies last.
Available in bookstores November 10.