May 1 (UPI) — With the start of National Military Appreciation Month, Disney ‘s EPCOT announced Wednesday it will open a new exhibit of military veteran portraits painted by former President George W. Bush .
The exhibit , called “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors,” will be on loan from the George W. Bush Institute. The exhibit will open to the public June 9, at The American Adventure Pavilion at Walt Disney World in Orlando.
“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, Disney Experiences. “We’re grateful to the Bush Institute for allowing us to feature this special collection and share it with our guests.”
The 60 oil paintings feature U.S. service members and veterans who served after 9/11 . Each painting is accompanied by a biography written by Bush, who has come to know the veterans personally. The stories reveal the veterans’ service on the battlefield, recovery from injuries and post-military contributions.