20 Forgotten US Public Service Announcements

Unforgettable 60s Memories:    • We Are 60s Kids - 20 Things That Made The ...  

Public service announcements were more than just commercials - they were cultural moments that defined generations. From the 1940s through the 1990s, PSAs delivered unforgettable messages about safety, responsibility, and awareness, leaving lasting impressions on kids and adults alike.

In this video, we revisit the most iconic campaigns: McGruff the Crime Dog teaching children to “Take a Bite Out of Crime,” Smokey Bear reminding us that “Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires,” and Vince & Larry the Crash Test Dummies turning seatbelt safety into slapstick comedy that boosted real-world seatbelt use. We also look back at Woodsy Owl’s “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute,” the chilling Cold War “Duck and Cover,” the stark “This Is Your Brain on Drugs” frying pan ad, and the haunting AIDS awareness spots that broke through stigma.

Nostalgia fans will recognize classics like “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk,” “It’s 10 PM, Do You Know Where Your Children Are?,” and even cult favorites like the cheesy yet unforgettable “Don’t Copy That Floppy.” These PSAs weren’t just ads on TV - they were repeated in classrooms, drilled into school assemblies, and turned into catchphrases that became part of everyday life.

Whether you remember them from Saturday morning cartoons, late-night TV, or grainy classroom film reels, these safety and awareness campaigns shaped an era. Join us for a nostalgic journey through the messages that taught us to stop, drop, and roll - and stuck with us long after the screen went dark.