Watch John Cena’s Powerful, Inclusive Ad on Patriotism: ‘Love Has No Labels’ (Video)

Wrestler turned actor stars in spot from Ad Council celebrating diversity in U.S.

Pro wrestler turned actor John Cena delivered one hell of a performance on July 4 — as himself, in a new TV ad broadening the definition of patriotism and celebrating diversity in America.

The campaign, “We Are America,” is the brainchild of ad agency R/GA — and uses the bro icon to stunning effect as he delivers statistics about the racial, sexual and religious makeup of the United States.

Walking through a small town in a tracking shot that would make Aaron Sorkin proud, Cena asks the audience to close their eyes and picture the average American — then delivers a list of facts about women, Latinos, Asians, LGBT people, Muslims, senior citizens and the disabled make up significantly larger portion of the population than many might expect.

“Patriotism is love for a country, not just pride in it,” Cena says, imploring viewers to move from the sparkler-waving commercialism we see each July 4 holiday and embrace the concept that “love has no labels.”

The three-and-a-half-minute spot includes plenty of serious facts — there are three times more Muslims than people actively serving in the military —  but he also underscores the right to “set off fireworks the size of my biceps.”

“At a time when it feels hard for our country to find common ground, we need to remind audiences that to celebrate America is to celebrate all Americans. ” Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council, told AdWeek of the spot.

“We Are America’ illuminates what we already know — that Americans today cover the full spectrum of age, sexuality, ability, race and religion. And this message is just as important now as ever,” Sherman added.

Shorter versions of the ad also began circulating on Monday on social media.

Cena recently appeared in two big studio comedies from Universal, Tina Fey‘s “Sisters” and Amy Schumer‘s “Trainwreck.”

He’ll next be a featured voice in Sony Pictures Animation’s “Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania.”

Watch the full video above.

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