George W. Bush to release ‘Portraits of Courage,’ a collection of oil paintings, to benefit veterans

A book of oil paintings by former President George W. Bush will be released in early 2017 as a way to raise money for U.S. military veterans.

“Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors,” will be released by Crown Publishing Group on Feb. 28, 2017, the publisher announced Wednesday. Proceeds from the project will go to the Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative, which helps post-9/11 veterans and their families transition to civilian life.

“Through research, policy development, programs, and Presidential recognition, the Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative informs, influences, and unites communities, non-profit organizations, businesses, academia, and philanthropy to maximize the health and well-being of post-9/11 veterans and military families, setting the conditions for a successful transition and their continued leadership as civilians,” the organization says on its website.

The 43rd president’s upcoming book will feature 66 full-color portraits and stories about each veteran, Reuters reported Wednesday.

“Our men and women in uniform have faced down enemies, liberated millions, and in doing so showed the true compassion of our nation. Often, they return home with injuries — both visible and invisible — that intensify the challenges of transitioning into civilian life. In addition to these burdens, research shows a civilian-military divide,” the Bush Center website says of the book. “Seventy-one percent of Americans say they have little understanding of the issues facing veterans, and veterans agree: eighty-four percent say that the public has “little awareness” of the issues facing them and their families.”

A special exhibit for “Portraits of Courage” will be on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas on the campus of Southern Methodist University from March 2, 2017 through Oct. 1, 2017.