R 132100Z JAN 22
MARADMIN 009/22
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2022 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. FEDERAL HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE//
REF/A/PUBLIC LAW 98-144/2NOV1983//
NARR/REF A IS PUBLIC LAW ON DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR FEDERAL HOLIDAY.//
POC/J. R. DECLOUX/MAJ/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/DSN 278/EMAIL: JESSICA.DECLOUX@USMC.MIL//
POC/A. QUINONES/SGT/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/DSN 287/EMAIL: ANTHONY.QUINONES@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Since proclaimed by Public Law 98-144 in 1983, the third Monday of January commemorates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a national day of service. This year’s observance is Monday, 17 January 2022.
2. Dr. King is world-renowned as one of the most significant leaders of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. He was an influential civil rights activist whose contributions helped bring about such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. A leader in the movements to end racial segregation in the United States, his most famous address was the “I Have a Dream” speech. Dr. King was an advocate of nonviolent protest and would become the youngest person ever to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for such conviction. Dr. King’s message of recognizing and celebrating the content of our character resonates with us today. As Marines, our own seminal documents entreat us to foster equity in the force by ensuring equal treatment, access, advancement, and opportunity for all Marines based on their individual skills, abilities, aptitude, performance, and merit.
3. During the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. observance, commanders are encouraged to take time to recognize and celebrate Dr. King’s life and contributions to this country. Commanders are further encouraged to conduct online programs and to promote remote participation in observance events within their commands and across their local communities where onsite activities are not feasible during COVID-19 restrictions.
4. The Marine Corps is committed to living the values we defend and treating everyone with dignity and respect. As such, the Marine Corps takes pride in building strength through diversity and is dedicated to promoting a professional environment free from personal, social, or institutional barriers that prevent Marines from reaching their full potential.
5. Release authorized by BGen A. T. Williamson, Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division.//