On January 10, I traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, for the commissioning of the newest Nimitz class aircraft carrier, the George H. W. Bush. It was a beautiful day and the signal flags that draped the ship were blowing smartly against a very blue sky.
Both President Bushes were in attendance and gave very fitting and touching remarks. But my biggest thrill was seeing over 2,000 Blue Jackets run up the ship's ladder and take their position at attention on the flight deck as the ship was officially commissioned and the first watch was set.
We were reminded that as long as the ship was in service of our great country, the able men and women of the USS Bush would be standing continuous watches, perhaps as long as forty, or even fifty years.
Although Marriott hotels certainly have a very different role than that of a Navy aircraft carrier, our team is also on continuous watch 24/7 for forty or fifty years, or even more. Years ago, when we opened a hotel, we would throw away the key to signify the doors would never close. I think it's fitting that I pay tribute to our 300,000 managed and franchised associates, who man our hotels on a continuous watch to take care of our valued guests around the clock and around the world.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
On Duty for Our Guests Around the Clock
Mr. Marriott,
Will you be in Washington in June at all. I am going to visit with Bobby and Carolyn and would love to see you again.
Dorothy (Miss Pompadore)
Posted by: Dorothy Lowe | 01/29/2009 at 08:27 AM
It is an apt and appropriate comparison with the aircraft carrier, Geo.H.W.Bush and Marriott hotes/motels. It is a significant comparison in that one sleeps well and secure with the Navy out to sea and when one stays at a Marriott, they also sleep well and secure.
Posted by: Tom Osterman | 01/26/2009 at 05:29 AM
Bill, I want to ask you only one question & you have a choice of not answering it & not posting it in your comments list. Why dont we have any comments from you for Mumbai attacks? Dont you think the unfortunate incident affected the Marriott hotels in Mumbai(India).Wouldnt this incedent have affected the lives of associates in JW Marriott Mumbai & Renaissance Mumbai???
Posted by: mohit | 01/26/2009 at 01:54 AM
Mr. Marriott.
I'm just a big admirer of all the work you've done to all your costumer and employees. Since I was 15 years old I dream to be a part of the Marriott Family. That's why I became a Hospitality Management student at Sinclair Community College. I moved to USA about two years ago, with that dream in my heart, and in my first day at college I saw and heard all the other student answering a simple question from our professor, What is your career goal? Some of them wanted to be a chef, others wanted to be a event planner and I also heard many of them saying I don't know. When arrived my time to answer the question I took a nice calm breath and said I want to work With Mr.Bill Marriott Family. and my professor smiled and said, I know why you want that. I was part of the Family for quite some time and it was my best work experience. That, just one more time, proved to me that my career goal and all the work I will have to do to achieve it, Its more than worth it.
In one of my job searches online I found your blog and it maid me so glad that you Sr. is exactly what I imagined since I was a teenager. A Man of Excellence. Someone I was totally right to be inspired for and someone that bring the best of each employee that participates 24/7 of this style of service that it is Marriott brand.
I just felt that was necessary to share with you and all other readers how inspiring you are in my life and I'm sure in the life of many others. I thank your Father and you Sr. for building this Wonderful company that make dream come true for so many people around the world.
I really hope someday I get a chance to work for your company and shake your hand in a sign of my total respect for what your Marriott Family created.
Posted by: Hevylla Terlau | 01/25/2009 at 04:10 PM
Mr. Marriott--thanks to you and all of the Marriott organization for providing top flight accomodations, customer service and a fabulous rewards program. You deliver! We are four week owners at the Newport Coast Villas property for three years now. You have our undying loyalty.
Keep up the great work!
Rick and Rose Garris
Posted by: Rick and Rose Garris | 01/24/2009 at 05:32 AM
For many years now, if there is a Marriott in the city that I am visiting, that's where I stay. J.W. is my favorite and I wish there were more because there are many cities that do not have a J.W. It's the best.
Posted by: Mrs. Robinson | 01/24/2009 at 02:29 AM
I never thought of it before, but you are right, Marriott hotels never close. My thanks also to all those who work nights, weekends and holidays so that my favorite Marriott hotel will always be open and ready to welcome guests! I have taken that for granted in the past, but will no longer do so!
Posted by: Hank Mancini | 01/23/2009 at 01:18 AM
I Think it is very important of you being in attendance at the US Navy event. You are a Veteran Like me along with 25 million veterans across the nation. Of course your a Navy Vet and I'm Army. (one of these days will win that game!). So thank you Marriott Staff ffor always serving in your communities. Here in Hawaii we can always count on Marriott staff for getting involved with our local veteran affairs. And I think we'll see more across the nation.
Global Mahalos' from Hawaii-Jim White
Posted by: Jim White | 01/22/2009 at 09:07 AM