As we wind down this week and head to the celebration of Independence Day, I wish you a happy and joyful weekend celebration.

Each year, I remind you of one distinctive feature of Independence Day. It’s the day our nation declared its independence but it took several years before we were truly free.

We fought a long war. Suffered many trials. Earned a hard fought independence through will, resilience and creativity.

There’s something distinctly “American” about celebrating the day we decided to seek a better situation as compared to when it was achieved.

Setting your mind, your jaw, your heart and soul on a goal with the confidence that it will be achieved is a virtue of the country.