A special exhibition is being held through the end of the year at The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum. “Portraits of Courage: A Commander In Chief’s Tribute To America’s Warriors” is a collection of oil paintings by President George W. Bush, honoring those who have served our country since September 11, 2001.
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“I painted these men and women as a way to honor their service to the country and to show my respect for their sacrifice and courage,” said President Bush.
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum is the only venue nationwide selected to host the paintings this year. “Portraits of Courage” will be on display in the Truman Library’s all-new, award-winning presidential exhibition through December 31, 2022. The show was last seen in Houston in early 2020.
Portraits Of Courage
“Portraits of Courage” brings together 66 full-color portraits and a four-panel mural painted by President Bush of 98 service members and veterans who have served our nation with honor since 9/11, and whom the President has come to know personally since leaving office.
Each featured painting is accompanied by the inspiring story of the warrior depicted, written by President Bush. As the stories unfold, readers and visitors will encounter the faces and hearts of those who answered the nation’s call and learn of their bravery on the battlefield, their journey to recovery, and the continued leadership and contribution they make as civilians.
You can listen to the recorded profiles with President Bush as your tour guide. As a special touch, these stories are also shared via a companion audio guide app. It’s a free download once you’re in the museum. The companion book is also available in the museum store.
“Portraits of Courage” is on loan from the Ambassador and Mrs. George L. Arygros Collection of Presidential Art at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, a non-profit organization whose military service initiative is focused on helping veterans and their families.
The paintings featured are also the subject of a hardcover book by the same name. President Bush is donating 100 percent of his profits from the book to The George W. Bush Presidential Center, whose veteran and military families work to ensure that post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life with a focus on gaining meaningful employment and overcoming invisible wounds.
Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative
The exhibit also includes information and resources created by Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative. Visitors can learn how to better support post-9/11 warriors in their communities. These resources are intended to help bridge the military-civilian divide.
The Bush Institute Military Service Initiative works to increase knowledge and raise awareness on pressing issues facing post-9/11 veterans.
How To See The Exhibition
You can see this exhibition with general admission to The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum. Through the end of the show on December 31, U.S. veterans and active military will be admitted free of charge with proof of military service.
Truman Library Institute members enjoy free museum admission. There will be special after-hours members-only viewing of “Portraits of Courage.”
The Truman Library Institute
The Truman Library Institute is the member-supported, nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, one of 15 presidential libraries of the National Archives. It draws on President Truman’s legacy to enrich the public understanding of history, the presidency, and America’s unique form of government through world-class museum exhibits, research grants, public programming, and nationally acclaimed education programs serving more than 30,000 students and teachers annually. The Institute was founded by President Truman.
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