Happy Memorial Day! This season brings an extra special announcement! Epcot is taking this celebration to a new level this year with an extraordinary exhibit at The American Adventure Pavilion to honor veterans. On June 9, the grand opening of “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors” will mark a significant addition to Epcot. This extraordinary collection, brought to us by the George W. Bush Institute, showcases more than 60 vibrant oil paintings by President George W. Bush. Each piece honors service members and veterans who have demonstrated exceptional valor and resilience since 9/11.
The exhibit is a testament to President Bush’s personal commitment to the military community, stemming from his ongoing work with the Bush Institute’s Veterans and Military Families program. Visitors to the exhibit will see these powerful portraits and read the inspiring stories of the veterans depicted, personally written by President Bush. These narratives highlight their battlefield service, recovery journeys, and continued contributions to civilian life.
“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,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. “We’re grateful to the Bush Institute for allowing us to feature this special collection and share it with our guests.”
The exhibit initially debuted in 2017 at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, and we are thrilled they brought this powerful display to Epcot. Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “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 service members and their families face when transitioning out of the military.”
In addition to the portraits, the exhibit will offer resources to support post-9/11 veterans and their families, including Check-In, a tool designed to connect veterans with high-quality mental and brain health care at no cost. Moreover, Disney will continue its long-standing support for the USO with a series of Disney VoluntEARS events, where volunteers assemble 4,000 care packages for deployed military service members. This initiative is part of Disney’s broader effort to provide a connection to home for those serving overseas.
Come see this exhibit at Epcot to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of our military service members and veterans through this moving and inspiring exhibit.
Stay tuned with us for more tips and updates!
Are you heading to see this exhibit at Epcot next month?
