Veteran Portraits by George W. Bush: A New Exhibit at EPCOT

Hey Disney Vacationers! As National Military Appreciation Month kicks off this May, EPCOT will host an exciting addition to The American Adventure Pavilion: Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors. This remarkable exhibit, created by the George W. Bush Institute, will open to the public on June 9. It is a heartfelt tribute from former President George W. Bush, honoring U.S. service members and veterans who have served since 9/11. Featuring over 60 vibrant oil paintings, Veteran Portraits by George W. Bush brings these remarkable individuals’ stories to life and is an extraordinary testament to their service.

Honoring Military Service Through Art

The exhibition offers an intimate look at the stories of military service members and veterans who have shown unwavering bravery and resilience both on the battlefield and in their personal lives. Each painting is accompanied by a personal story, written by President Bush himself, showcasing their journeys from their time in uniform to their post-military careers. It’s a beautiful blend of art and storytelling that invites visitors to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and leadership of these heroes.

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, expressed his admiration, saying, “Celebrating those who give so much to our country has been part of the fabric of The Walt Disney Company throughout our 100-year history. We’re grateful to the Bush Institute for allowing us to feature this special collection and share it with our guests.”

Support for Veterans and Their Families

In addition to the artwork, Veteran Portraits by George W. Bush provides valuable resources for post-9/11 veterans and their families. The exhibit features information about Check-In, an initiative that offers free, high-quality mental and brain health care for veterans and their families. The goal is to make it easier for those who have served to access the support they deserve. To learn more, visitors are encouraged to explore VeteranCheckIn.org.

Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, shared his hopes for the exhibit: “My hope is that those who have the opportunity to see this special exhibit will also remember the leadership, service, and sacrifice behind each of the heroes painted and the unique challenges our servicemembers and their families face when transitioning out of the military.”

Disney’s Continued Support for the Military Community

In conjunction with the exhibit, Disney is doubling down on its efforts to honor the military during National Military Appreciation Month. Disney Consumer Products, in partnership with the Disney SALUTE veteran employee resource group, will organize Disney VoluntEARS events to assemble 4,000 USO care packages for deployed service members. By the end of the month, the Disney VoluntEARS will have put together an astonishing 16,000 care packages this year alone.

Disney has partnered with the USO since 2003 on various initiatives, including family room renovations, USO/character tours, and movie screenings. Disney’s dedication to this cause will continue with more events leading up to the Department of Defense Warrior Games at Disney World from June 21-30.

This unique collaboration between EPCOT, Disney, and the George W. Bush Institute exemplifies the enduring support and appreciation for those who serve. Be sure not to miss Veteran Portraits by George W. Bush as it makes its grand debut on June 9 at EPCOT.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

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