R 122115Z JAN 17
MARADMIN 022/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2017 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE//
POC/M.J. SHEPPARD/CIV/UNIT: MPE/-/TEL: (703)784-9371/TEL: DSN 278-9371/ TEL: COMM (703)784-9371//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. The 2017 national observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday will be celebrated on 16 January 2017.  “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A day on, not a day off!” is the permanent theme.  Established by Public Law 98-144, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday that is observed on the third Monday of January.  The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America.  We also commemorate the timeless values he taught us through his example–the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility, and service. 
2.  In 1963, Dr. King was one of the driving forces behind the “March for Jobs and Freedom,” which is famously known as the “March on Washington.” The march drew over a quarter-million people to the National Mall.  It was at this march that Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which cemented his status as a social change leader and helped inspire the nation to act on civil rights.  The following year, partly inspired by the march,  Congress passed the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.  The legislation prohibited the discrimination against minorities in hiring, public accommodations, education, transportation, and many other areas which at the time were still very segregated.  In 1965, Congress passed the “Voting Rights Act,” which eliminated the remaining barriers for African Americans to vote.
3.  The Dr. King Holiday is a day of interracial and intercultural cooperation and sharing, when people from all walks of life unite to make our country a better place to live.  No other day of the year brings so many people from different cultural backgrounds together in such a vibrant spirit of brother and sisterhood.
4.  All are encouraged to reflect on the journey of Dr. King who was dedicated to ensuring equality for all.  As Marines, uniformed and civilian, we take pride in treating everyone with dignity and respect, enabling  continued success in our mission of making Marines, winning battles, and returning quality citizens to society.
5.  Release authorized by SES M. R. Strobl, Division Director, Manpower Plans and Policy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Acting.//