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Live Free or Die facts for kids

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New Hampshire quarter, reverse side, 2000
Reverse side of the New Hampshire state quarter showing the motto.

"Live Free or Die" is the official motto of the U.S. state of New Hampshire, adopted by the state in 1945.

The phrase comes from a toast written by General John Stark on July 31, 1809. Stark was New Hampshire's most famous soldier of the American Revolutionary War. His poor health forced him to decline an invitation to a reunion of the Battle of Bennington. He sent his toast by letter:

Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils.

The motto was enacted at the same time as the state emblem, on which it appears.

Images for kids

  • State quarter for New Hampshire

    "Live Free or Die" on the New Hampshire state quarter

  • NH state emblem

    "Live Free or Die" in the state emblem

  • New Hampshire 2017 License Plate

    New Hampshire car license plate

  • Panthéon Paris France 005

    The motto "Vivre Libre ou Mourir" on the central monument of the Panthéon in Paris representing the National Convention.

  • Actual DEC UNIX License Plate DSC 0317

    Original NH-style DEC UNIX license plate facsimile

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