Gump actor supports US memorial

Gary Sinise was nominated for an Oscar for Forrest Gump

CSI: New York actor Gary Sinise has been named as the national spokesman for the US Disabled Veterans Life Memorial Foundation.

Sinise, who played Vietnam veteran "Lt Dan" Taylor in Forrest Gump, hopes to help the group build a memorial to disabled veterans in Washington.

"I am deeply moved to have been asked to participate in this absolutely necessary memorial," he said.

The fund is aiming to raise $65m (£37m) to build the memorial.

Its plans were authorised by former President Bill Clinton in 2000.

Co-founder Lois Pope said: "His portrayal in Forrest Gump of a soldier who loses his legs in the Vietnam conflict brought home the terrible price our men and women pay in the fight for our country's freedom."