Marine Corps Base Quantico -- Monday marks the 29thNational Observance of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 with the first observance coming on Jan. 20, 1986. King was born on Jan. 15, 1929 and his birthday is observed to honor the countless contributions he made to the American Civil Rights Movement which continue to have profound impacts and serve as a source of inspiration to others.
The movie “Selma” provides a dramatic and compelling depiction of a pivotal point in King’s career — but it also serves as a call to action today as we continue to address the changing societal issues which affect our families, our workplaces, our communities and our nation.
“Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not A Day Off” is the national theme of this holiday. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. King’s Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to his vision of a “Beloved Community.”
On Jan. 29 at 9:30 a.m., Headquarters Marine Corps and Marine Corps Base Quantico will host a Dr. Martin Luther King Observance, at the Marine Memorial Chapel. Please attend if you are able.
I expect leaders at all levels to conduct thorough pre-holiday safety briefings with their personnel prior to the holiday weekend. Let’s continue our commitment to no accidents, no serious injuries or incidents, no acts of misconduct, and no loss of life over the holiday period.
Your hard work and support to the Marine Corps mission, our Marines, civilians and their families is appreciated. I would encourage each of you to find a way during this time to “Remember!, Celebrate! or Act!” in commemoration of Dr. King. and civilian will be proactive in their planning, committed to executing that plan, and faithful in all that they do God, country, and the Corps. Let your actions during the holiday season epitomize our core values of honor, courage and commitment.
My best wishes to each of you during this special time of the year and for continued blessings to carry you into the New Year. 2015 here we come!