Live Free or Die: A Legacy Worth Preserving

New Hampshire's state motto, "Live Free or Die," isn't just a catchy phrase; it’s a powerful declaration woven into the fabric of our state’s history. These words, penned by Revolutionary War hero General John Stark in 1809, capture the enduring spirit of independence that defines us.

When Stark, a veteran of the pivotal Battle of Bennington fought on August 16, 1777 in Walloomsac, New York, near Bennington, Vermont, was unable to attend a reunion of his comrades, he instead dispatched a concise but profound toast: "Live free or die; death is not the worst of evils." Stark’s sentiment, born from the struggle for liberty, resonated deeply with the people of New Hampshire, and in 1945, as the world emerged from the shadow of World War II, the New Hampshire Legislature officially adopted the general’s words as our state’s motto, cementing the motto’s place in New Hampshire’s identity.

The words “Live Free or Die" signify more than past valor; the phrase embodies a core commitment to individual liberty that continues to shape our political and social landscape. From the beginnings of colonial resistance to modern advocacy groups fighting for personal freedoms, New Hampshire remains a bastion of independence in modern times. While some may find the New Hampshire state motto outdated or aggressive, its essence is timeless, addressing our fundamental human desire for autonomy and the resolve to defend it. In this world today, where freedoms are consistently challenged, the Live Free or Die motto serves as a persistent reminder of the vigilance and determination incumbent on all of us to protect our civil rights and way of life.

So, why reaffirm the Live Free or Die motto?

Because these four words reflect the soul of our state. Our motto honors those heroic men and women who fought to secure our freedoms, and it reminds us that liberty is not a given, but a responsibility. This legacy inspires not only the great state of New Hampshire, but everyone who cherishes and fights for freedom around the globe.

General John Stark's profound declaration, “Live Free or Die” remains a vital reminder in our own times and far into the future. It's a legacy worth preserving, a declaration that continues to inspire and define not only the spirit of New Hampshire, but a more global community beyond our borders. In penning his rousing but heartfelt sentiment, Live Free or Die, General John Stark couldn’t have provided a more clear and present reminder that freedom requires constant vigilance and when that vigilance falters, freedom dies.

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