The White House presented its Preserve America Presidential Awards in the Rose Garden today. Hampton Inns was one of the recipients for its work with helping preserve historical landmarks, including on Route 66.
Here is the relevent excerpt from the White House transcript of President Bush's remarks:
Our fourth award recipient is Hampton Hotels. Probably surprises you, doesn't it? Under their "Save a Landmark" program, Hampton Hotels is helping communities rehabilitate roadside attractions along America's great highways. Their efforts have helped preserve landmarks along Route 66, to restore the Jesse Owens Park in Alabama, to refurbish one of the country's classic theme parks in New Jersey, and save the world's largest Santa Claus in Alaska. (Laughter.) Each of these landmarks represents a piece of cultural and regional history. By saving them for future generations, they are helping to celebrate the diversity of America — and provide educational opportunities for families as they travel across our great land.
Jim Conkle of the California Route 66 Preservation Foundation, who was involved with some of Hampton Inn's efforts, was scheduled to attend. I've seen no photographs yet from the ceremony, but I'll keep an eye out for them.