America’s beer debuts new campaign to honor those who protect our freedom, including new fallen fighters we have lost due to the war on COVID-19
Anheuser-Busch Foundation donates $500,000 to American Red Cross in support of military families
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Budweiser, America’s beer since 1876, is taking time this Memorial Day to offer a simple taste of freedom. Today, the iconic American lager is unveiling its new, patriotic themed family of products and TV commercials to honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Budweiser’s new red, white and blue camo-designed cans and cases will honor the five branches of the United States Military, and with each case* sold from 5/25 to 7/4, Budweiser will donate $1 to Folds of Honor to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members, up to $75,000. In addition, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation has donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross in support of military families.
Three new collectible patriotic Budweiser designs will debut nationally in a TV spot, “Taste of Freedom.” The limited edition design features red, white and blue camouflage cans, emblazoned with stars, stripes and custom icons paying tribute to the five military branches. Budweiser Patriotic Cans are available now for a limited time through Summer 2020.
Budweiser also created a short film called “Take Two Minutes” acknowledging the unique circumstances that this year’s Memorial Day presents and to make a statement of support to those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
“This Memorial Day, Bud continues its longstanding commitment to honor those who have fallen fighting for our freedom,” said Monica Rustgi, Vice President, Marketing for Budweiser. “Now, we also honor a new soldier, who has fallen fighting for our freedom from the global pandemic. This holiday weekend, we hope all of America reflects in how lucky we are to have these brave people on the front lines, so that we can enjoy the simple joys of summer one day soon.”
As America honors the sacrifice of our fallen on Memorial Day, Budweiser’s film makes note that this year’s holiday takes on a new meaning during the COVID-19 crisis, as many frontline workers have tragically made the ultimate sacrifice defending the country. In its film, Budweiser looks to highlight the parallels between the honor, courage, and commitment of the health care workers’ service and honor them this year, like the fallen soldiers we honor annually on Memorial Day. The brand has also created a powerful image for social media using hashtag #TakeTwoMinutes that encourages two minutes of silence this year to remember the fallen. The first as the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00PM for fallen soldiers, and this year, take a second at 3:01PM for fallen frontline workers in the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We salute Budweiser and their life-changing support and continued commitment to Folds of Honor over the last nine years,” said Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, founder and CEO of Folds of Honor. “Since 2011 Budweiser & Anheuser-Busch Wholesalers have donated over $17 million allowing us to award approximately 3,400 life changing scholarships. We are proud to stand with them as they release the Budweiser Patriotic Cans, further illustrating their commitment to our armed forces and their families.”
This Memorial Day Weekend, Folds of Honor and Budweiser are bringing fans co-streaming live concerts on their social platforms with hit artists to honor military families and continue to raise funds to support them. All weekend long, fans can tune in to music from:
- May 25, 7:00PM CT- Lee Brice https://www.leebrice.com/#!/about
- May 26, 7:00pm CT -Tyler Farr https://www.tylerfarr.com/#bio
- May 27, 7:00PM CT – Justin Moore https://shorefire.com/roster/justin-moore
Budweiser patriotic cans and large packs are available for a limited time, through August, in 24 and 30 packs of 12oz cans, and 25oz single cans. Each can highlights custom icons honoring those who serve in the armed forces. Plus, in honor of the soldiers and families who fight for our freedom, for every large case sold from May 25th – July 4th, Budweiser will donate $1 to our partners at Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization providing educational scholarships to military families.
To watch the video and learn more about how you can help, go to Budweiser.com/OneTeam.
To learn more about Anheuser-Busch’s efforts in response to COVID-19, click here.
For more information, visit Budweiser on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
*Case = 24 pack case equivalent
About Budweiser
Budweiser, an American-style lager, was introduced in 1876 when company founder Adolphus Busch set out to create the United States’ first truly national beer brand – brewed to be universally popular and transcend regional tastes. Each batch of Budweiser stays true to the same family recipe used by five generations of Busch family brewmasters. Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp and pure beer with blended layers of premium American and European hop aromas, brewed for the perfect balance of flavor and refreshment. Budweiser is made using time-honored methods including “kraeusening” for natural carbonation and Beechwood aging, which results in unparalleled balance and character.
About Folds of Honor
Folds of Honor is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled in combat while serving in the United States armed forces. Our educational scholarships support private education tuition and tutoring for children in grades K-12, as well as higher education tuition assistance for spouses and dependents. Founded in 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard who served three tours of duty in Iraq, Folds of Honor is proud to have awarded more than 24,500 scholarships in all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, including more than 4,500 in 2019 alone. For more information or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor scholarship, visit www.foldsofhonor.org.
About The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
Contacts
Eddie Moye
Eddie.Moye@anheuser-busch.com
