A History of Support and Patriotism
Anheuser-Busch has a long and proud history of supporting our military forces. This tradition of service began in 1861 when Adolphus Busch voluntarily served three months in the Union Army during the Civil War. Since then, Anheuser-Busch has been committed to supporting our country and its armed forces during times of conflict and peace.
World War I
During World War I, Anheuser-Busch subscribed to more than $4 million worth of Liberty bonds. Its contributions to war charities like the American Red Cross, Y.M.C.A and Salvation Army amounted to more than $500,000. In 1919, the company was among the first St. Louis institutions to have 100 percent employee enrollment in the Red Cross.
Anheuser-Busch also leased one-third of its new Bevo bottling plant to the War Department for storage. The Busch-Sulzer Brothers Diesel Engine Company, of which August Sr. was president, voluntarily cancelled all commercial contracts to devote its entire plant facilities to the manufacture of U.S. Navy submarine engines.
After the War, Adolphus Busch’s widow, Lilly, donated all admission revenues at Pasadena Gardens, CA to the American Legion disabled veterans fund.
World War II
In support of our troops, Anheuser-Busch converted its refrigerated cabinet division over to the production of military glider fuselages, wing assemblies and sheet metal parts for Army field kitchens. As in WWI, the Busch-Sulzer Company lent its support by manufacturing diesel engines for our military and allied forces. To supplement the diet of servicemen and civilians, Anheuser-Busch derived special vitamins and nutrients from its yeast production. The company was also the only brewer to voluntarily discontinue U.S. beer shipments to the West Coast in order to conserve railcar space for war materials.
When the United Service Organization (USO) was formed in 1941, Anheuser-Busch was among the first to make a donation with its $12,500 contribution. The company also generously contributed to other war charities: from 1941-1944, Anheuser-Busch and its employees contributed more than $640,000 dollars to the American Red Cross and the United Charities, Inc. In 1944, the company’s employees raised $879,350, more than double their war bonds quota. Employees used the funds to purchase two B-17 bombers, named “Miss Budweiser” and “Busch-whacker.” Overall, Anheuser-Busch and its employees purchased more than $25 million in war bonds.
Like his grandfather before, August Jr. also served his country. In 1942, he accepted a commission to the Ordnance Department, where he served until 1945, rising to the rank of colonel. In 1946, he was awarded the Legion of Merit for his wartime service.
Present Day
In 1990, in support of Operation Desert Shield, the company donated 22,000 cases of O’Doul’s to U.S. military personnel in Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. In the summer of 1991, Anheuser-Busch and the USO initiated the “Yellow Ribbon Summer” program, which provided free admission to Busch Gardens and Sea World for our armed forces and their families. The program also included a $1.2 million scholarship fund for the children and spouses of American soldiers killed in the Persian Gulf.
After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation and the company’s wholesalers donated $8.4 million to various disaster relief efforts. In addition, Anheuser-Busch provided nearly 10,000 cases of drinking water and more than 40,000 cases of 180 energy drink to rescue workers. Within days, the company also replaced its beer ads on more than 250 outdoor billboards and stadium signs with an image of the U.S. flag.
Anheuser-Busch continues to provide for our veterans and their families through our charitable donations. In 2003, the company established the Fallen Heroes Fund, a $1 million college scholarship fund for spouses and children of U.S. military and coalition personnel killed in Iraq. Since 2005, Anheuser-Busch’s “Here’s to the Heroes” program honored our armed forces and their families with complimentary admission into the company’s various theme parks.