More Detail on the Festivities Announced for America’s 250th Anniversary
We have been talking for a while about Disney’s once-in-a-lifetime celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration coming Veterans Day 2025 and continuing through the July 4, 2026 weekend. This celebration will bring together Disney’s beloved brands and platforms to honor America’s past, celebrate the present, and inspire its future.
Disney announced more festivities details and we are excited read their info below.
February 18, 2026: Portraits of Courage Extended Through the 4th of July Weekend in Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary
As part of “Disney Celebrates America,” a company-wide celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, we’re excited to announce that the Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors exhibit will be extended through the weekend of July 4, 2026, at the American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT.
Throughout the celebration of our country’s semiquincentennial, Disney will continue our legacy of honoring U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families — a commitment that has been part of our story since the founding of our company more than 100 years ago.
Since its debut in June 2024 at EPCOT, the Portraits of Courage exhibit has drawn many visitors with more than 60 vibrant oil paintings by former U.S. President George W. Bush, portraying post-9/11 service members and veterans. The exhibit honors their courage and resilience and showcases the George W. Bush Institute’s Veterans and Military Families program.
Marine Veteran Visits His Portrait at EPCOT
Mr. Bush formed a connection with veterans in this art exhibit, including Dave Smith who served as a U.S. Marine Corps Corporal from 2003 to 2007 including combat tours in Iraq with 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. Dave brought his family to EPCOT to see his portrait for the first time this week —appropriately enough on Presidents’ Day!
Following his time in the military, Dave shared that adjusting to civilian life was challenging and emphasized that veterans should not shy away from seeking help with mental health if needed. Dave believes asking for help is not weakness. It is the foundation of strength.
Dave shared that his portrait symbolizes those who stood with him abroad and at home: friends, volunteers, supporters, and especially family, whose strength and love helped him readjust. He said these paintings also embody the steadfast support of loved ones — including his wife — during difficult times.
Dave is grateful to have received some valuable support and is thriving today. He is especially appreciative of the support he received from the Bush Institute. The one thing he never anticipated was that one day, a U.S. President would honor him with something as special as painting a portrait of him. This recognition helped mark the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
“To stand there with my family at Disney, looking at a portrait of me painted by a President of the United States, is incredibly humbling. I’m deeply honored — but more than anything, I’m grateful: grateful to have served, grateful to have healed, and grateful to share this moment with my family, knowing the best chapters of our lives are still being written.”
“It is an honor for the Bush Center and the service members depicted in the Portraits of Courage exhibit to share their stories with the millions of visitors to the American Adventure pavilion at Disney’s EPCOT,” said Shilo Brooks, president and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. “Recognizing the sacrifice and endurance of veterans, service members, and their families is a pivotal part of commemorating the 250 years of our nation’s history.”