Starbucks newspaper ad wants us to 'come together

The Starbucks coffee chain is calling on Americans to "come together" during the government shutdown, by way of a full-page newspaper ad.

"In times like these," the ad says, "a small act of generosity and civility can make a big difference." It appeared in the Washington Post, New York Times and USA Today on Wednesday.

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz sent a memo to staff explaining that the promotion was a way to seek unity "even as we wait for our elected officials to do the same for our country," according to the Associated Press.

The ad also says customers can come into Starbucks Wednesday through Friday (presumably without their guns) and receive  a free tall coffee when they purchase a drink for another customer.

"If actions define us, let's be known for acts of kindness," the ad says below a couple coffee cups that say "come together."

The ad is attempting to go viral with the Twitter hashtag #PayItForward

See the ad...