WASHINGTON — The world famous Budweiser Clydesdales paid a visit to the neighborhood around Nationals stadium Saturday to celebrate the Fourth of July and bring attention to the number of Americans at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Clydesdales are the symbol of brewer Anheuser-Busch which joined an effort by the Biden administration to meet the goal of getting 70% of American adults at least partially vaccinated against the deadly virus by the Fourth of July.
"For the first time in 37 years, Budweiser isn’t airing a commercial during the Super Bowl. Instead, we’re redirecting our advertising dollars to support COVID-19 vaccines awareness and education."
The country won't reach that goal. According to the CDC only 67% of American adults have at least one COVID-19 vaccination.
Still, the best known beer ambassadors were in the Nation's Capitol to mark progress against the disease and how good it is that people can get together again.
According to Anheuser-Busch the Clydesdales first appeared in 1933 to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. In more recent years the massive draft horses have been best known for their appearances in a series of endearing Super Bowl ads.
This year however there was no Clydesdale ad. Anheuser-Bush explained the decision this way