Guests visiting EPCOT will have more time to experience Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors, as Disney has announced the exhibit will remain open through the Fourth of July weekend in 2026.
The exhibit, located inside the American Adventure pavilion, is part of “Disney Celebrates America,” a resort-wide initiative recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States. The extension allows the tribute to remain on display throughout much of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.
First debuting at EPCOT in June 2024, Portraits of Courage features more than 60 oil paintings created by former U.S. President George W. Bush. Each portrait depicts a post-9/11 service member or veteran and highlights personal stories of resilience, sacrifice, and service. The exhibit also spotlights the work of the George W. Bush Institute’s Veterans and Military Families program, which supports those transitioning from military to civilian life.
Disney says the extension reflects a long-standing commitment to honoring members of the U.S. military, veterans, and their families, a value the company has emphasized for more than a century.
One of the most meaningful moments tied to the exhibit recently came when Marine Corps veteran Dave Smith visited EPCOT with his family to see his own portrait in person. Smith served from 2003 to 2007, including combat tours in Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. He shared that returning to civilian life after his service was difficult and stressed the importance of veterans seeking mental health support when needed.
Smith described his portrait as a reflection not only of his service, but of the friends, supporters, and family members who stood by him during and after his military career. Seeing himself honored in the exhibit, he said, marked the start of a new chapter and served as a powerful reminder that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Portraits of Courage continues to be included with EPCOT admission and will remain available for guests through the July 4, 2026 holiday weekend.
