R 142110Z JAN 16
MARADMIN  024/16
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2016 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE//
POC//M. J. SHEPPARD/CIV/UNIT: MPE/-/TEL: (703)784-9371/TEL: DSN 278-9371/EMAIL:  MARC.SHEPPARD (AT) USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This year’s national observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday will be celebrated on 18 January 2016.  “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A day on, not a day off!” is the permanent theme. Established by Public Law 98-144, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday that is observed on the third Monday of January.  The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example – the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service.
2.  On this day we commemorate Dr. King’s great dream of a vibrant, multiracial nation united in justice, peace and reconciliation.  This holiday represents a day for community and Humanitarian Service activities and programs and unifies communities as we move closer towards the fulfillment of his dream.
3.  The King holiday is a day of interracial and intercultural cooperation and sharing, when people from all walks of life come together 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 our continued success in our mission of making Marines, winning battles and returning quality citizens to society.
5.  Release authorized by BGen G. W. Smith, Jr., Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division.//