R 162117Z JAN 25
MARADMIN 022/25
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2025 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/S. C. WARNER/MAJ/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-2149/
TEL: DSN 278/EMAIL: SEAN.WARNER@USMC.MIL// 
POC/S. R. DIXON/MAJ/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-6164/
TEL: DSN 278/EMAIL: SARA.DIXON@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. In accordance with Public Law 98-144 (1983),
the third Monday of January is designated as a federal holiday to
honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, we
commemorate his life and achievements on Monday, January 20, 2025.
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, this year’s theme,
“Excellence in Action,” honors the legacy of nonviolent
demonstrators who fought to address the injustices faced by Black
Americans and other minorities.
2. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 marked a pivotal moment in the
fight against racial discrimination and segregation, with
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. calling it a "second emancipation."
The Act desegregated public facilities, schools, and addressed
discriminatory voting practices, while prohibiting discrimination
in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or
national origin. The civil rights movement faced violent
opposition, epitomized by the brutal attack on activists during the
1965 "Bloody Sunday" march in Selma, Alabama. This tragic event
galvanized the nation in its fight against racial injustice.
Dr. King’s leadership, culminating in the successful 1965
Selma-to-Montgomery march and subsequent passage of the
Voting Rights Act and Fair Housing Act, is symbolized in this
year’s commemorative poster, which honors his enduring commitment
to equality and justice. The poster is found on the Defense Equal
Opportunity Management Institute website: https://www.deomi.mil/
Special-Observances/#martin-luther-king-jr-birthday.
3. In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, commanders are
encouraged to honor his legacy by organizing programs and
activities that celebrate his contributions. Participation in local
community events and unit-level observances is strongly encouraged,
fostering reflection on the ideals Dr. King championed and their
continued significance to our mission and values.
4. Release authorized by Brigadier General David R. Everly,
Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division, Manpower and Reserve
Affairs.//