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A poignant Budweiser commercial that aired just once on Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002 captures the emotion of 9/11. The ad showcases the iconic Clydesdale horses, a symbol of Budweiser, in a moving tribute to the victims of the tragic event. The horses are shown running, equipped, and pulling a wagon through snow-covered fields and cityscapes.
The scene transitions to the horses crossing the Brooklyn Bridge into New York City, with the Statue of Liberty in the background. The ad ends with the horses bowing and the Statue of Liberty prominent, evoking a sense of reverence.
Watch the 2002 ad:
Despite its single airing, the commercial’s impact remains strong through annual online viewings on each anniversary. The Anheuser-Busch creative team navigated challenges to bring this tribute to life, filming in New York shortly after the attacks with the approval of Congress, advertising community, and Mayor Rudy Guiliani.
The ad was reprised on the tenth anniversary in 2011. YouTube comments reflect the deep emotional resonance, with viewers expressing how the commercial’s imagery and music evoke memories and tears, fostering remembrance for the lives lost and the bravery displayed during the tragedy.
