(reprise last year) FR EXCLUSIVE: Superbowl XXXIX -- "The Commercial" honoring the troops

phone conversation with Anheuser Busch representative | 2-2006 (orig. 2-7-05) | dfu

[doug from upland]

THE COMMERCIAL

This morning I spoke with a representative of Anheuser Busch about their Superbowl commercial. First, here is some background.

In a club in San Bernardino with a couple hundred Marines, wives, and friends, I watched the Superbowl. I fought back a tear at the bar as I watched the commercial that honored the troops. The Marines in that club felt proud. They appreciate knowing that we appreciate what they do for us. Hell, just buying them beer to show appreciation made them feel good.

In the 1981 Champsionship Game (not Superbowl), Joe Montana engineered an 89-yard drive at the end of the game to defeat Dallas. Dwight Clark capped it off with a leaping 6-yard reception in the end zone to advance to the Superbowl. In post season lore, it became known simply as "The Catch."

In 1986, John Elway led his team on a 98-yard march that tied Cleveland in the Championship Game. The Broncos won in overtime. It became known simply as "The Drive."

As we watched the standout commercial of troops in the airport being cheered on in the terminal as they arrived home, we hope the moment will create its own Superbowl lore. May it forever be known simply as "The Commercial."

The representative of Anheuser Busch was kind enough to return my call. I wanted to know who was behind the brilliant commercial. They will be putting out a press release today because they have received more media inquiries than they can possibly field.

Here is some of the information. The commercial was filmed at LAX. Yes, those were real military personnel from various branches who have served in Iraq. According to the spokesperson, the response to the commercial has been overwhelming and positive.

They really did something special this time. Thanks, Anheuser Busch. I will remember Superbowl XXXIX not for a hard fought close game, but for "The Commercial."

[Petronski]

But are they going to replay it?


It was beautiful.

[doug from upland]

I don't know that they have any plans to replay it. There's the link. Keep enjoying it.

[doug from upland]

You were at that bar.

[Nick Danger]

The Other Commercial
January, 2002

[doug from upland]

Thanks, ND. I don't remember seeing that.

[Chgogal]

Sent to Afghanistan! Thanks.

:)

[doug from upland]

We can never repay the debt.

[Hazzardgate]

Wow. That is an incredible piece.

[Chgogal]

No, we can't. We are a lucky country to have such men and women walking amongst us.

[cgk]

I LOVE that commercial... er "The Commercial." Thank you for providing the link.

I had to laugh, though, on the bottom of the page it was VERY strange to see "Sesame Place" as one of the parks where you can buy Budweiser! ;)

[cgk]

Mega-BUMP... I saw that once, and it still moves me :). Thank you!

[cgk]

NFL PING

FReepmail scott says to be added to, or to be taken off the NFL Ping list...

This is a fairly high volume ping list

[kajingawd]

great truism that we rarely get to see...

we really appreciate you troops and forever will be grateful.

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

Yes. (Photo from last year's Super Bowl) We were there for a noble cause, one of our TROOPS. The cover charge, if I recall correctly, was all donated for Cpl. LeBleu's hospital costs and related expenses--Thanks Again to The Club.

[Just Lori]

That was the best commercial ever! I'd like to see them top it!

[Just Lori]

Ok..... that was DAMN FINE!

[zip]

ping

[Just Lori]

I've watched that one about 10 times now! LOL

[goarmy]

I get a lump in my throat every time I see it. Thanks for posting it.