The commemoration of 9/11 always elicits profound sentiments and weighs heavily on the hearts of many. This touching advertisement, broadcast only once, is sure to evoke deep emotions. In this Budweiser commercial, the iconic Clydesdales take center stage, honoring the lives lost on that tragic day.
The ad begins with horses gracefully trotting through a picturesque field, adorned with their gear as they pull a wagon away from a rustic barn. They proceed along a snow-covered countryside road, captivating onlookers as they pass by in all their majestic splendor.
The scene transitions to the cityscape as the horses make their way across the Brooklyn Bridge into New York City, with the skyline looming majestically in the distance. A close-up of one of the Clydesdales’ noble faces precedes a breathtaking view of the Statue of Liberty.
As the music crescendos, the horses humbly bow before the iconic landmark, leaving viewers profoundly moved. The commercial, aired during Super Bowl XXXVI on February 3, 2002, remains etched in collective memory and resurfaces online annually on this somber anniversary.
The creative team at Anheuser-Busch encountered significant obstacles, securing approval from members of Congress, the advertising community, and then-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Bob Lachky, former executive vice president of Anheuser-Busch Global Creative, recounted the challenges and the profound experience of filming in New York City post-9/11.
An updated iteration of the ad aired on September 11, 2011, marking the tenth anniversary of the attacks. Viewers who shared their sentiments on the original commercial expressed profound emotional resonance, with many advocating for its annual airing without any alterations.
Several viewers recounted personal connections to the tragedy, sharing poignant anecdotes of loss and remembrance. One commenter reminisced about being present during the filming of the final scenes, describing the overwhelming emotional impact on all those involved.
The Budweiser advertisement serves as a poignant tribute to the resilience and unity of the American spirit in the face of adversity, reminding us never to forget.