Just in time for President’s Day, Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, visited her father’s Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors exhibit at EPCOT to connect with veteran cast members.
The more than 60 patriotic portraits were painted by President Bush, honoring members of the U.S. military who have served our nation with honor since 9/11, and whom he has come to know personally.
At the event, Jenna shared her personal connection to this community, reflecting on the selfless service of both her father and grandfather. The entire Bush family has deep roots in military service and supporting veterans.
Jenna was presented with a flag flown over EPCOT in her honor, and a special SALUTE military challenge coin, in recognition of her dedication to supporting the military community.
The group was also greeted by a special guest, Mickey Mouse, dressed in red, white and blue!
Jenna, her family and friends were joined by Walt Disney World Ambassador Shannon-Smith Conrad, who comes from a military family, Walt Disney Imagineering cast members who helped create the exhibit at EPCOT, and members of Disney SALUTE, our employee resource group that honors and empowers our cast members with military backgrounds, families, and those with an affinity for military service.
While SALUTE has been key in fostering a sense of community and support for over a decade, our enduring admiration for the military community started with our founders, Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during World War I.
This legacy continues today, in part through our ongoing relationship with the Bush Institute, which began when Walt Disney World Resort hosted the Invictus Games nearly a decade ago.
To learn more about Disney’s commitment to service members, veterans and military families, visit Impact.Disney.com.