MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- On 13 October 2014, America will celebrate Columbus Day - a holiday set aside to remember the efforts and contributions of the explorer Christopher Columbus. But we also trace the origins of the United States Navy to the Continental Congress establishment of the Continental Navy on 13 October 1775, when they authorized the procurement, fitting out, manning, and dispatch of two armed vessels to cruise in search of munitions ships supplying the British Army in America. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAVY!
The holiday routine will begin at 1200, Friday 10 October, and end at 0730, Tuesday, 14 October 2014. Whatever your plans may be for the holiday weekend, keep safety at the forefront. We all must work together to first mitigate, and second prevent liberty incidents. These two are attainable if we plan properly, consider all the risks, and stay the course. There is less daylight during this time of the year, so trips should be planned to minimize travelling during hours of darkness. Ensure you get plenty of rest prior to long trips, plan adequate rest stops, make sure the vehicle is in good condition, and ensure everyone wears their seat belt.
On long weekends such as this, we enjoy time with family and friends – sometimes these opportunities involve the consumption of alcohol. Inevitably, abuse of alcohol is a contributing factor in physical altercations, sexual assault, and automobile and motorcycle crashes. Please drink responsibly, abide by all rules and regulations that govern us, and take care of each other.
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 remains no accidents, no serious injuries or incidents, no acts of misconduct, and no loss of life over the holiday period.
Have a great weekend, be safe and stay Semper Fidelis.
Sincerely,
DAVID W. MAXWELL
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Commander, Marine Corps Base
Quantico