 Greetings Marines and happy birthday. I'm Colonel Randy Comrade-Breznik, USMC retired, flying 250 nautical miles above all of you wherever you're deployed aboard the International Space Station. I'm here on the ISS for a six month deployment and I'm honored to currently serve as the commander of Expedition 53. As a Marine and as an astronaut, I've learned many important lessons along the way about leadership including the importance of teamwork, humility, and the unwavering pursuit of your goals. It doesn't matter how big your dreams may be or how impossible they may seem, they're yours. And you should never back down or let anyone convince you that they are not achievable. As you celebrate today, pause to reflect on the story 242 year history of our Marine Corps. Know that we live as a part of the long ladder Marines who have served this nation so admirably since the founding of our Corps. I want to thank all of you and your families for their service and sacrifices to our Corps and country. We know so well that our Corps values of honor, courage, commitment are more than merely words. They are the very foundation of the ethos that is a blazing on our hearts and souls as Marines. Congratulations on the past year where you have made history now written forever in the storied history of our Corps. On behalf of all Marines who have gone before you, thank you for upholding our warrior ethos of our Corps and continuing our hallowed traditions. Wherever you are in the world of ours, enjoy your celebration of the birthday of our beloved Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis and may God continue to bless the United States of America and United States Marine Corps. Happy birthday Marines.