As we leap into May, which marks National Military Appreciation Month, EPCOT is gearing up for a grand celebration by unveiling a remarkable new exhibit honoring our nation’s heroes. Set to open on June 9 at The American Adventure Pavilion, “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors” arrives courtesy of the George W. Bush Institute. This compelling collection reflects Disney’s steadfast respect and gratitude towards members of the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans.
Crafted out of President George W. Bush’s personal dedication to service members, the “Portraits of Courage” exhibit showcases over 60 vibrant oil paintings completed by the former president himself. These stunning works depict service members and veterans the president has connected with since his time in office. Each portrait is more than just an image; it tells a powerful story of bravery, recovery, and continued leadership beyond military service. Adding depth and emotion, President Bush personally penned the narratives accompanying each artwork, capturing the essence of the heroes’ journey.
Supporting the display, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, remarked, “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.” This dedication shines through in every brushstroke of this profound exhibit. Visitors will not only witness impressive artistry but also delve into the inspiring tales of sacrifice and resilience.
In addition to the captivating portraits, the exhibit will provide valuable resources for post-9/11 veterans and their families. One such resource, Check-In, offers easy access to no-cost, high-quality mental and brain health care. For more information, veterans and their loved ones can visit Veterancheckin.org.
As part of the ongoing festivities for National Military Appreciation Month, Disney is also hosting Disney VoluntEARS events in collaboration with the Disney SALUTE veteran employee resource group. Together, they will assemble 4,000 care packages for deployed service members with the USO Care Package Program. This initiative is part of Disney’s longstanding partnership with the USO, reflecting their ongoing commitment to supporting those who serve.
We invite you to join us in celebrating this incredible exhibit and the heroes it honors. What are your thoughts about this unique collaboration? Share your reflections in the comments below and spread the word to fellow Disney enthusiasts and supporters of our veterans! For more updates, visit the Disney Parks Blog. [Original Source](https://cdn1.parksmedia.wdprapps.disney.com/media/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2oi4u8tyuh24yogb24y6tg1t3vfrkuy87y24tg.jpg).
