R 112007Z JAN 18
MARADMIN 027/18
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2018 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE//
POC/M. J. SHEPPARD/GS12/UNIT: MPE/-/TEL: (703)784-9371/TEL: DSN 278-9371/TEL: COMM (703)784-9371//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  The 2018 national observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday will be celebrated on 15 January 2018.  “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.  Dr. King is widely regarded as America’s pre-eminent advocate of non-violence and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history.  Drawing inspiration from both his Christian faith and the peaceful teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. King led multiple nonviolent movements in the late 1950’s and 60s to achieve legal equality for African Americans in the United States.  While others were advocating for freedom by “any means necessary,” including violence, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. used the power of words and acts of non-violent resistance, such as protests, grassroots organizing, and civil disobedience to achieve seemingly impossible goals.  Dr. King went on to lead similar campaigns against poverty and international conflict, always maintaining fidelity to his principles that men and women everywhere, regardless of color or creed, were equal members of the human family.
3.  He is the only non-president to have a national holiday dedicated in his honor, and is the only non-president memorialized on the National Mall in the nation’s capital.  Dr. King is memorialized in hundreds of statues, parks, streets, squares, churches and other public facilities around the world as a leader whose teachings are increasingly relevant to the progress of humankind.
4.  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.  The holiday celebrates his life and achievements and encourages people everywhere to reflect on the principles of nonviolent social change and racial equality.
5.  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.
6.  Release authorized by Brigadier General S. F. Benedict, Division Director, Manpower Plans and Policy.//