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: [email protected]//  POC/S. R. DIXON/MAJ/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-6164/ TEL: DSN 278/EMAIL: [email protected]// 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.//