Editor’s note: This video was created by Anheuser-Bush Companies, LLC, headquartered in St. Louis, MO, in tribute to those who were ravaged by the New York City, NY, attacks on September 11, 2001. It ran only once, in 2002, but deserves to be seen again.
Click here to watch Budwieser Clydesdales Honor New York City.
Famous Budweiser Clydesdales Show Respect In Rare 9/11 Commercial that Aired Only Once
by Amy Paige
Budweiser’s brilliant commercials featuring their famous Clydesdales have become synonymous with Super Bowl Sunday….Chances are, you’re not too familiar with the Budweiser ad [above], because it was…aired on television one time.
In the wake of 9/11, Budweiser’s creative team came up with the idea for this powerful, gut-wrenching commercial. It shows the Clydesdales making their trek across the Country and straight towards the New York City skyline. Once they reach their destination, the majestic horses stand in salute, bowing down to where the buildings fell on that tragic day.
FOX5 San Diego reports, “We filmed in New York City,” said Bob Lachky, former Executive Vice President of Anheuser-Busch Global Creative. “We had a helicopter going over the Brooklyn Bridge. Mayor Giuliani let us into the City, the only film company of any sort right after 9-11. To actually come into air space with our helicopter to film the Clydesdales…the hitch coming into Battery Park, and it was amazing, just amazing.”
Although the ad is not particularly controversial, Budweiser only wanted it to play one time. Instead of wanting to profit from the ad, the company simply wanted to honor the victims and their loved ones.
The commercial aired during the 2002 Super Bowl halftime and never again.
In 2011, the ad was recreated on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 to feature the newly-constructed Freedom Tower.