We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our intentions do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown....
And the 56 men who signed this knew they would be hung for treason if we lost the fight with Britain ( with an army we didn't even have yet )!
That, in my opinion, is The Greatest Generation. Happy Independence Day to all !!!