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The Rose Hotel Blog

Let your flag fly for the 4th of July

We’re coming up on the Fourth of July weekend. We know it for its fireworks, parades, picnics, time off from work, and general good times. It is a national holiday after all.

Like so many holidays, though, we often forget the true meaning of why this particular day has been set aside for commemoration. Too many of us have forgotten our history lessons and treat holidays as just another opportunity to do some fun things.

By all means, have fun. Celebrate! Let’s just remember what we’re celebrating – and be thankful for the opportunity.

We think the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, has special meaning this year in light of the Arab Spring that is roiling the Middle East. That region is ablaze with the passions of people risking their lives to be free in a way that we have enjoyed for 235 years. That’s an amazing and sobering fact.

Yes, this is the day that our forbearers declared the United States independent of mother England. The Declaration of Independence was signed today, an event that set in motion a course that would result in the emergence of the United States as a global superpower and a nation recognized the world over for its open society, protection of individual rights and free-market economics. We are indeed a miracle, the greatest social experiment in human history, and living proof that people from all corners of the earth share a common desire to be free – and that millions of people of different cultures, languages, religions, and so forth, can live together peacefully and prosperously. Why? Because our nation is built on the foundation that the overarching principle that brings commonality to us all is our shared believe that all people should be free to express themselves and conduct their lives and pursue happiness in ways they see fit.

Every day The Rose Hotel hosts people who travel freely across our country without the need to carry special papers. They are unfettered by government monitors and checkpoints that strangle the movements and spirits of some many people living in tyrannical countries around the globe.

We don’t take this free movement of people for granted. That, and the other reasons mentioned above, is why The Rose Hotel is playing its own small but visible role in commemorating the Fourth of July. As pictured on this page, we have adorned the front of the hotel with a red, white and blue bunting that hangs from the second floor balcony. The American flag is also flying.

We’re happy to say it hasn’t gone unnoticed. That and some other acts of support for our troops prompted the following letter from the local post commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars. We’re pleased to share this letter – sent to hotel Sales Director Tom Walker – as a way of showing how modest efforts and gestures are so roundly appreciated by veterans who too often feel their sacrifices have been forgotten or taken for granted.

Dear Tom:

On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6298 here in Pleasanton, thank you for the many acts of generosity with regard to our veterans.

For the past two years I have had the privilege to lead this organization. The Rose Hotel has also provided assistance when needed in times of great joy such as with the return of our local heroes and in times of sorrow as with the recent memorial service for US Army Specialist Jameson Lindskog.

Sincerely,

Douglas W. Miller
Post Commander
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6298
Pleasanton, CA
925.998.9905

We are honored and humbled by Post Commander Miller’s letter.

We invite you to find an appropriate way to celebrate the Fourth of July in a manner that exhibits support for our veterans. If you’re looking for meaningful options, give Commander Miller a call at the number that appears on his signature block and he will be happy to assist.

Remember that our door is always open. Enjoy a drink in our lobby bar, or check-in for a holiday weekend getaway. Few things are more patriotic than celebrating our independence and freedom.

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