Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum to Host Portraits of Courage, Traveling Exhibit of Works by President George W. Bush
Special exhibit includes nearly 100 of the former President’s portraits and
stories of America’s post-9/11 warriors.
January 25, 2024 — The Richard Nixon Foundation today announced that it will host Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors, a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute, this Spring. Growing out of President George W. Bush’s personal commitment and the ongoing work of the Bush Institute’s Veterans and Military Families program, Portraits of Courage brings together sixty-six full-color portraits and a four-panel mural painted by President Bush of 98 service members and veterans who have served our nation with honor since 9/11, and whom the President has come to know personally since leaving office.
The collection of portraits is on loan from The Ambassador and Mrs. George L. Argyros Collection of Presidential Art at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Portraits of Courage will be on display at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum from March 14 through late May 2024.
Portraits of Courage will be on exhibit at the Nixon Library and for the first time on the West Coast thanks to the generosity of Lisa Argyros / Argyros Family Foundation.
Each featured painting is accompanied by the inspiring story of the warrior depicted, written by President Bush. 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.
In addition to the collection of portraits, the exhibit includes information and resources created by the Bush Institute’s Veterans and Military Families program that visitors can use to learn how to better support post-9/11 warriors in their communities. These resources are intended to help bridge the military-civilian divide.
The paintings featured in Portraits of Courage are also the subject of a hardcover book by the same name, available for purchase at the Nixon Library and in stores and online. President Bush is donating 100 percent of his profits from the book to the George W. Bush Presidential Center, whose Veterans and Military Families work ensures that post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life with a focus on gaining meaningful employment and overcoming the invisible wounds. Check-In, a tool for veterans and their families to easily connect to no cost, high quality, mental and brain health care, is part of that work. To learn more about Check-In visit www.veterancheckin.org.
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About the Richard Nixon Foundation
The Richard Nixon Foundation applies the legacy and vision of President Richard Nixon to defining issues that face our nation and the world today. The Yorba Linda-based Foundation actively encourages and supports scholarship, sponsors in-person and online programs that engage the public with American civics, creates and promotes educational programs and exhibits rooted in American history, and fosters discussion and debate about America’s thirty-seventh president.
About the George W. Bush Institute
The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at bushcenter.org.