Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. -- On Oct. 14, 2013, America will celebrate Columbus Day: a holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus’ discovery of our great nation on Oct 12, 1492. Columbus Day was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century, but it was first enacted as a federal holiday in 1937.

With this first long holiday weekend of the fall season, Marine Corps Base personnel will have the opportunity to set out on their own "voyages of discovery" with family members and friends by taking part in travel and recreational activities. Whatever your plans may be for the holiday weekend, safety must be at the forefront, and we all must work together to prevent on and off duty accidents this Columbus Day weekend.

As we near the end of the year, hours of daylight get shorter, and trips should be planned to minimize travel darkness.  Drivers, whether riding on two or four wheels, should get plenty of rest prior to travel, plan adequate rest stops during their trips, make sure their vehicles are in good condition and ensure everyone wears their seat belt.   

On long weekends, such as this, as family and friends enjoy themselves and go out to dinner, the consumption of alcohol often increases. Inevitably, abuse of alcohol is a contributing factor in physical altercations and automobile and motorcycle crashes. Please drink responsibly.

I expect all Commanders, Directors, Commissioned and Noncommissioned Officers and first line supervisors to conduct thorough pre-holiday safety briefings with their personnel prior to the holiday weekend.   Our achievable goal is no accidents, no serious injuries or incidents, no acts of misconduct, and no loss of life over the holiday period.  Everyone should be trained in the benefits of risk management; be sure to consider the risks you may take.

Have a great weekend, be safe and stay Semper Fidelis.

Sincerely,
DAVID W. MAXWELL
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Commander, Marine Corps Base Quantico