“I’m grateful these portraits of our nation’s service members, painted by their former Commander-in-Chief, will proceed to be out there for company to view on the American Journey Pavilion at Disney’s EPCOT,” mentioned Jason Galui, Director of Veterans and Army Households on the George W. Bush Institute. “Sharing veterans’ tales reminds all of us of their unbelievable braveness, sacrifice, and resilience in protection of our nation – and of their continued contributions to our communities past their time in uniform.”
Pres. George W. Bush Portraits of Braveness
The exhibit by former U.S. President George W. Bush brings collectively greater than 60 vibrant oil portraits of service members and veterans who’ve served with honor since 9/11, and whom he has come to know personally since leaving workplace.
Our enduring appreciation for the U.S. Armed Forces is a legacy that began with our founders—Walt and Roy O. Disney, who each proudly served their nation throughout World Battle I—making the American Journey Pavilion the proper house for the gathering.
Portraits of Braveness debuted at EPCOT on June 9, 2024, and since then, company from around the globe have had the chance to expertise the gathering and be taught in regards to the inspiring journeys of the veterans depicted.
Honoring Veterans Throughout the Nation
In celebration of Nationwide Army Appreciation Month, noticed every Could, Disney, ABC and the George W. Bush Institute will highlight 4 veterans featured within the assortment: Matthew S. Ayers, Andrew Bachelder, Brian Flom and Michael “Rod” Rodriguez.
The particular dives into every service member’s journey, with President Bush’s reflections on the portraits and his ongoing work to assist veterans.
These embrace tales of valiant service on the battlefield, resilience in recovering from damage to the continued management and contributions they make of their post-military careers.
The particular is accessible on ABC Information Stay, Localish Networks and Hulu.
Army Hero Visits Portrait at EPCOT
One of many service members featured within the exhibit and new particular is U.S. Military Sgt. Matthew S. Ayers, who had the chance to view his portrait throughout a latest household journey to Walt Disney World together with his 17-year-old daughter Isabella and spouse Deborah.
Sgt. Ayers has proudly served our nation since 2003, beginning within the U.S. Navy Reserve earlier than transferring to the U.S. Military Nationwide Guard as a fight medic with the 19th Particular Forces Group. Right now, he continues to serve within the U.S. Military Reserve.
Earlier than spending a enjoyable day at EPCOT, the trio explored the exhibit, whereas Sgt. Ayers shared tales about his experiences with the George W. Bush Institute and his acquaintances who’re additionally featured within the gallery.
Service is a Household Enterprise
Disney Parks are locations that create happiness and enduring household recollections. That is particularly vital for navy households to get pleasure from time collectively in between instances of prolonged separations as a part of navy service.
For the Ayers household, this go to was significantly significant, as Isabella was in a position to view her father’s portrait in particular person for the primary time.
“Having the exhibit at Disney, you’re going to get individuals from all around the world that see it. I hope that they see that it’s one thing particular,” mentioned Sgt. Ayers. “A few of these guys misplaced some limbs, different guys ended up with traumatic mind accidents, and simply to have some appreciation, that’s fairly cool.”
Whereas he has largely recovered from his bodily wounds, spending time together with his household is without doubt one of the methods Sgt. Ayers continues to get well from the invisible wounds he acquired whereas deployed abroad. You possibly can be taught extra about Sgt. Ayers’ story within the particular, Our America: Portraits of Braveness.
The Portraits of Braveness exhibit consists of info and sources created to assist publish 9/11 veterans comparable to Examine-In, a device that connects veterans, service members and their households to no value, high-quality, psychological and mind healthcare. To be taught extra about Examine-In, go to Veterancheckin.org.
For extra details about Disney’s ongoing salute for individuals who serve their nation in uniform, go to our Veterans subject web page.
