Valley 1 of 4 Locations to Host ‘Portraits of Courage’
Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors, a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute, will be displayed at the Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park from Oct. 19 through Dec. 29. The venue is one of just four nationwide selected to host the paintings this year. Bringing the exhibition to the Valley is a collaborative effort of the Arizona Historical Society and the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute.
Growing out of President Bush’s personal commitment and the ongoing work of the Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative, Portraits of Courage brings together 66 full-color portraits and a four-panel mural painted by Bush of 98 service members and veterans who have served the nation with honor since 9/11 and whom the president has come to know personally since leaving office.
Each painting is accompanied by the inspiring story of the warrior depicted, written by Bush. 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.
In addition to the collection of portraits, the exhibit includes information and resources created by the Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative that visitors can use to learn how to better support post-9/11 warriors in their communities.
The paintings are also the subject of a hardcover book by the same name, available now in stores and online. Bush is donating 100 percent of his profits from the book to the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
