# Patriotic Beer Ads Guinness' Empty Chair Commercial Salutes Americans in Uniform By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-03-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/empty-chair References: [buzzazz](http://buzzazz.com/advertising-and-marketing/politics/guinness-beer-ad-positions-well-with-our-gratitude-for-military-servitude) While there are a lot of beer commercials that are filled with riotous fun and zany antics, this [feel-good Guinness ad](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/world-of-guinness) called Empty Chair delivers a sobering message. The story in the ad is told without words, featuring a glass of Guinness that is repeatedly set out in a bar at an [empty chair](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/is-this-seat-taken-campaign) and table set. It isn't totally apparent why this ritual is carried out until the end of the commercial, where a man in uniform walks in, returning home. Representative of honoring those who are out of sight, but not out of mind, the ad pays a heartwarming tribute to America's troops. Garnering over three million views on [YouTube](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/feel-the-alps), it's apparent that the message in the meaningful Guinness Empty Chair commercial has hit home with many Americans and others from around the world. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Patriotic Advertising:** Opportunities for brands to create more patriotic messages to honor important moments and individuals. - **Silent Storytelling:** Using visual storytelling without words to create emotional connections with viewers. - **Social Commentary in Advertising:** Brands can use advertising to promote social issues and support communities. ### Who This Affects Most - **Alcohol and Beverage:** Brands in this industry can create campaigns that honor important events, causes, and individuals to connect with consumers on a social and emotional level. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Agencies can create and promote socially conscious ad campaigns to show support for important social issues. - **Military and Veterans Services:** Opportunities for businesses in this industry to partner with brands and create campaigns that honor and support those who have served their country. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Patriotism-Promoting Amber Lagers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amber-lager.md) - [Irish Stout Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guinness-unveiled.md) - [Gratitude-Giving Beer Cans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smooth-salute.md) - [Celebratory Beverage Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/legendary-stories.md) - [Veteran-Supporting American Lagers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-lagers.md) - [Illuminated Local Pubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-up-your-local.md) - [Cookie-Supported Beer Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levain-bakery1.md) - [Wish-Granting Beer Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2024-bud-light-super-bowl.md) - [Soldier-Supporting American IPAs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-ipa.md)