George W. Bush’s Original Paintings Are Making Their Disney Theme Park Debut

George W. Bush will soon have his artwork displayed at Disney!

The former United States president, who served from 2001 to 2009, is lending a hand — quite literally — as National Military Appreciation Month kicks off in May.

Bush’s artwork will be shown at a grand opening titled Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors on June 9. The special exhibit, from the George W. Bush Institute, will be featured as part of Disney’s enduring admiration for those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans, per a press release shared with PEOPLE. 

In a joint Instagram carousel shared by Disney Parks and The Bush Center on Wednesday, May 1, Bush, 77, is photographed dipping a paintbrush into a mixture of colors as he stands near an easel showing a canvas portrait of soldiers.

“Paintings by President Bush are coming soon to EPCOT in the American Adventure pavilion on June 9! ???????? Learn more about @thebushcenter Portraits of Courage honoring veterans (link in bio). #DisneySALUTES,” the post's caption reads.

According to the press release, the exhibit grew out of Bush’s personal commitment and the ongoing work of the Bush Institute’s Veterans and Military Families program. 

It will feature more than 60 oil paintings by Bush of service members and veterans who have served in military uniform with honor since 9/11, and whom Bush has had a growing bond with after leaving the Oval Office.

“Celebrating those who give so much to our country ha -

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s been part of the fabric of the Walt Disney Company throughout our 100-year history,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, in the release. “We’re grateful to the Bush Institute for allowing us to feature this special collection and share it with our guests.”

Each painting will also share the story of the veteran displayed in the image, allowing visitors to learn more about these military heroes.

It will share their experiences on the battlefield, strength in their recovery from injury, and the continued leadership and contributions they make in their post-military careers. As an added bonus, each story was personally written by Bush himself.

“We are thrilled Portraits of Courage will be on display for EPCOT visitors to experience this year,” said Ken Hersh, president and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. 

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“My hope is that those who have the opportunity to see this special exhibit will also remember the leadership, service, and sacrifice behind each of the heroes painted and the unique challenges our servicemembers and their families face when transitioning out of the military,” Hersh added. 

Resources for 9/11 veterans and their families can be found at https://www.veterancheckin.org/s/.

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