Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors will soon make its way to Missouri. The new art exhibit from the George W. Bush Presidential Center profiles U.S. veterans who served after 9/11.
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum recently announced that, with the support of its non-profit partner the Truman Library Institute, it will host the exhibit from October 13 to December 31, 2022. Interestingly, the Truman Presidential Library & Museum, located in Independence, Missouri, is one of just four venues that will host the exhibit this year.
“Veterans embody the spirit of America, and it is vital we share their stories,” said Alex Burden, executive director at the Truman Library Institute.
Kurt Graham, director at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum, added, “We are thrilled to offer Portraits of Courage as our first temporary exhibit in the newly transformed Truman Presidential Library.”
That’s because the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, which is approximately 35 miles from Kansas City, reopened last year after a 2-year, $29 million renovation.
The Portraits Of Courage Exhibit
George W. Bush, 43rd president of the United States, began painting as a post-presidency hobby. Bush said he worked for a year to paint portraits of more than 100 of the wounded veterans he’s met since he left the White House in 2009.
“I was thinking of their stories, their troubles, their joys,” Bush said when the book of his artwork under the same title was first published, according to People. “It consumed me.”
The Portraits of Courage exhibit features 66 full-color portraits and a four-panel mural painted by Bush of 98 service members and veterans. “I painted these men and women as a way to honor their service to their country and to show my respect for their sacrifice and courage,” Bush said.
“Each featured painting is accompanied by the inspiring story of the warrior depicted, written by President Bush,” the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum explains. “As the stories unfold, readers and visitors will encounter the faces and the 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 learn more about the Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors exhibit here.
Know Before You Go
Harry S. Truman served as a U.S. senator in Missouri from 1935 to 1945. He then served as vice president of the United States from January to April 1945 and became the 33rd president when Franklin D. Roosevelt died in office. Truman then served another term as president, leaving office in 1953.
Established in 1957, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum both preserves and provides access to President Truman’s historical materials.
You can learn more about the museum here.
Tickets for Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors. However, free tickets for the exhibit are available to U.S. veterans and active members of the military.
You can learn more about the museum’s hours and how you can purchase tickets here.
For more about the Truman Museum and Independence, Missouri, be sure to also read: