Called to Serve: Stories from Courage Can Save Us

Called to Serve: Stories from *Courage Can Save Us* is an in-person conversation at Ford’s Theatre honoring the courage, sacrifice and dedication of people who answered the call to serve after 9/11. Author Rye Barcott will draw on stories from his book *Courage Can Save Us* to explore how ordinary people are compelled toward extraordinary acts, and how moments of bravery and quiet determination can reshape a life.

The discussion reflects on military and community service, the human capacity to respond in difficult times, and the hope found in lives devoted to helping others. Barcott will be joined by individuals featured in the book, whose experiences illuminate the personal meaning of service.

When: October 6, 2026

Showtime: 6 p.m. ET

Tickets: Free

Format: In person

Accessibility: Accessible

Venue: Ford’s Theatre

Featured guest: Rye Barcott, Marine Corps veteran, social entrepreneur, investor and New York Times bestselling author

About Rye Barcott: Barcott is the co-founder and CEO of With Honor, a cross-partisan organization supporting principled veterans seeking public office. While in college, he co-founded CFK Africa, a youth leadership organization in Nairobi, Kenya, and later co-founded Double Time Capital, a solar-energy investment firm. He is also the author of *It Happened on the Way to War: A Marine’s Path to Peace*, and Dartmouth College awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

Note: The program is part of Ford’s Theatre’s related public programming and is supported by the Come From Away Commemorative Committee, with President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush serving as honorary chairs and Anita and Tim McBride as committee chairs.