FR EXCLUSIVE: Superbowl -- "The Commercial" honoring the troops

spokesperson for Anheuser Busch | 2-7-05 | dfu

[doug from upland]

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 39 not for a hard fought close game, but for "The Commercial."

[nutmeg]

bookmark bump

[Terabitten]

I am proud to say that my boys and I lived exactly this out in Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta.

Me too. It's an honor to welcome these amazing soldiers home.

To anyone reading this who didn't get a welcome home...from whatever war, or police action, whatever... Welcome home, brother. Thank you for giving me and my daughter a free country to grow up in.

[Terabitten]

Thank you so much for giving me a free country to grow up in. I can only pray that my generation hasn't let you down.

[doug from upland]

I keep watching it. It gives chills every time.

[beachn4fun]

It surely was profound moment. I was almost totally amazed when I realized what was happening in that commercial and who had done it. Very simple. Very elegant. Just "thank you."

It surely needed a "hanky alert" at the beginning of the commercial! I fought back tears just so I could see who was responsible. LOL.

I say KUDOS to A-B.

[Northern Yankee]

Thanks for the background!

More background on "The Commercial".

[mathluv]

I live in kNE TX. There is a group of people in the Dallas area that meet planes at DFW to welcome home the soldiers. Some of those doing the greeting are Nam vets - certainly a different welcome than they got.

[Raquel]

Dear CedarDave,

Thanks in part to the Swift Vets, I think people are beginning to realize that once the anti-war crowd (in the 60's) took over the momentum of the American people (notwithstanding through lies, hate and propaganda), our beloved troops were at risk.

Once the Vietnam War became a political war in America, and we ceased to adhere to patriotism and support for our troops, our very fiber was destroyed, at the hands of our service men and women.

It's appalling to me to see actors and politicians such as Jane Fonda, John sKerry, ect. encourage anti-American behavior, and outright treason. The American people were fooled and our Veterans and country suffered for it.

Please know that there are many of us out there who respect you and honor you for your service. Thank you for protecting my life and my country. God bless you.

[Strutt9]

From the bottom of my heart, I THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE. If it was not for the American soldiers compassion and kindness, I would have been long dead. I will not go into detail. It was not the Vietnam war but the Korean War.

Having lost my family (executed) and forceable throw out of the village (after they broke my shoulder).. i may my way further south. (execue me... but my hand is shaking as I remeber). After awhile.. I could go no further and laid down to die. Malnourise, starving, hurt, physical scares from bombs and bullets, Two soldiers picked me off the street as other people just walk by. They brought me to a military hospital where they fixed me up. Brought me to an orphange. Many kindness was they did for me. eventually, I was adopted by and American family.

Not only did the soldiers save me. I swore that if I ever get a chance to I would enter the armed forces or that I would make sure that my children would. NEVER will I ever forget.

No I never entered the service.. (not healthy enough). But after educating my only son. I told him that he should now enter and he did. He entered the Marines... my son and husband knows the full details of my experience.

I will ALWAYS have the biggest graditude for what the soldiers did and THANK YOU is never enough for me or for my family.

I hope that this little explanation from the other side will help a little to take the bitterness of your experience of how the people treated your homecoming after the vietnam war. Know that you have save many people and there are ohters like me for whom THANKing will never be enough.

Please excuse my spelling... writing fast as my hand shakes.

[Stashiu]

Thank you all. I am a bit overwhelmed.

I would like to accept your thanks on behalf of those whom I meet at the VA who are unable to absorb it. Of course, that may not really be possible, but I like to believe so. I will tell them at my next PTSD group which is this Friday.

I will report what they have to say to this thread.

Personally, I especially want to thank you all for your support. This does help me to come to terms with what happened in-country and what happened on my return. For that I am grateful.

One of my favorite short prayers is:

"God, I thank you for what you gave me, what you took away, and what you have left me."

It's all about acceptance.

[doug from upland]

Wow. Thanks for sharing that story. Our childrens are building friends with children everyday in Iraq. Those children see what America is about.

[Strutt9]

I too have a heavy heart because of the way the people treated returning VETS from Vietnam. Unfortunately, tooo many Americans at the time believed what they heard from the Media. Kerry and gang didn't help either.

I sincerely hope that someday your heart is lightened and you can go on. I know it will be hard.
At least you have belief in your God to help. I'm not there yet, believing in a God.

Hold tight your faith and hopefully it will help you.

[Strutt9]

I will always LOVE AMERICA and what it stands for and what the soldiers did for me.

You are welcome.