A host of stars recorded touching tributes to actor Gary Sinise for dedicating his career to helping veterans and their families in a heartwarming video.

The Forrest Gump star set up the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011, which raises more than $30 million annually for programs including building specially adapted homes for disabled and injured army veterans and trips for army families.

Now, 25 years since he played wounded veteran Lieutenant Dan in the iconic movie, Sinise's colleagues, fellow actors and veterans who benefited from his work over the years participated in a surprise video tribute for him.

Actor Gary Sinise (pictured) was overcome with emotion as he watched tributes from actors, colleagues and families who thanked him for his work helping veterans their families

Four Star General (RET) Robin Rand, CEO of the Gary Sinise Foundation, added that he wanted to surprise Sinise to inspire others to give back.

The Foundation recorded Sinise's reaction as figures including Robert DeNiro, Jay Leno, Ron Howard, Tim Allen, Colin Powell, and Judd Apatow sent him goodwill messages.

The video even included a tribute from his Forrest Gump co-star Tom Hanks, who playfully referenced his character in the Oscar-winning movie, saying: 'Thanks Lieutenant Dan.'

In the 1994 movie, Sinise, 63, famously portrayed Lieutenant Dan Taylor, a veteran living with the devastating consequences of life after war after losing both his legs during combat in Vietnam.

After watching the tribute video, obtained by People Magazine, the CSI New York star was overcome with emotion, saying: 'I'm in shock, who did that?

'That makes me feel really good, thank you. I didn't see that coming, oh my god.'

Sinise portrayed Lieutenant Dan Taylor, an army veteran living with the devastating consequences of life after war, alongside Tom Hanks in the 1994 movie Forrest Gump - 25 years ago this year

Sinise's Forrest Gump costar Tom Hanks (left) said: 'Thanks Lieutenant Dan'

During the nineties, Sinise worked on behalf of the Disabled American Veterans organizations. He also embarked on several USO handshake tours in 2003 and then formed the Lieutenant Dan Band in 2004.

The group began entertaining the troops serving at home and they perform close to 30 shows a year at military bases, charities and fundraisers supporting wounded heroes.

'Your commitment, your dedication, you are awesome,' Apollo 13 director Ron Howard said in the video.

'Thank you for all the things you have done for our men and women who have served our nation,' added former Secretary of State General Colin Powell.

'Not only what you’ve done for them but for their children, what you’ve done for their families, what you’ve done to help them rebuild their lives.'

TV Host Jay Leno (left) and General Colin Powell (right) sent goodwill messages to Gary Sinise

Robert De Niro also paid tribute to him in the touching video

Gary Sinise was visibly shocked as he watched his friends and colleagues in the tribute video

Jay Leno praised him for his work helping the men and women of the Armed Forces.

Robert De Niro added: 'The work that your Foundation has done especially the Snowball Express will remain a meaningful part of these young people's lives forever.'

The video also features messages of gratitude from war veterans and their loved ones from all over the country.

This includes recipients of brand new homes through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s RISE program, which builds specially adapted smart homes for wounded heroes.

'As you can see we’re in front of this beautiful house right now,' said one veteran. 'We wouldn’t have had it were it not for your kindness, graciousness and your wonderful gift giving.'

In January, Sinise told Fox News America’s real-life heroes still recognize him as Taylor — and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

'I found out that when I started visiting our wounded in the hospitals and walking into those hospitals, they would look at me and they would recognize me as Lieutenant Dan.

Serving U.S. soldiers wanted to show their gratitude for the work done by the Gary Sinise Foundation

Army veterans who benefited from programs operated by the Gary Sinise Foundation also thanked him for his work over the years

First responders working throughout the country thanked him for his fundraising efforts

'They wouldn’t know what my real name as, but they’d call me Lieutenant Dan.'

Sinise has other military connections grandfather served in WWI, two uncles fought in WWII and his father in the Korean War.

He said he learned a lot about the Vietnam War from his brothers-in-law.

'All during the Vietnam War, I was just a high school kid playing in bands and getting in trouble,' Sinise told People Magazine.

'I felt guilty that, when they were off at war, I was oblivious to what they were going through. I’ve just tried to give them something back.'

The tribute coincides with the release of Sinise’s new book Grateful American which documents his journey from 'self to service' and details turning points in his life was released on February 12.