Live free or die

"Live free or die" is the official motto of New Hampshire, adopted by the state Legislature in 1945. It is probably the best-known of all state mottos, partly because it speaks to an aggressive independence inherent in the American dream, and partly because of its contrast to the mild sentiments usually found in such slogans.

Related Topics:
New Hampshire - State mottos - Independence - American dream

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The phrase comes from a toast written by Gen. John Stark in July 31, 1809. Poor health had forced Stark, New Hampshire's most famous soldier of the American Revolutionary War, to decline an invitation to an anniversary reunion of the Battle of Bennington. Instead he sent the toast, which said in full: "Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils."

Related Topics:
John Stark - July 31 - 1809 - American Revolutionary War - Battle of Bennington

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A similar motto from the American Revolutionary War was "Unite or Die". A possible source of both mottoes is Patrick Henry's famed March 23, 1775 speech to the House of Burgesses (the legislative body of the Virginia colony), which contained the following line:

Related Topics:
Unite or Die - Patrick Henry - March 23 - 1775 - House of Burgesses - Virginia

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:Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

Related Topics:
Slavery - God

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Similar mottos exist around the world. "????????? ? ???????" (Eleutheria i Thanatos ? "Liberty or Death") is the national motto of Greece and comes from the motto of the Greek War of Independence (1821?1830).

Related Topics:
Eleutheria - Thanatos - Liberty - Death - Greece - Greek War of Independence - 1821 - 1830

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