IT’S OUR TRADITION

As the first state to declare independence from Great Britain and adopt a revolutionary constitution ratified by its people, New Hampshire’s Live Free or Die tradition is at the granite foundation of what makes our state such an extraordinary place to live, raise a family, and conduct business.

First written two centuries ago as a toast by General John Stark to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, the phrase, “Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils,” has become synonymous with New Hampshire’s legacy of self-government, engaged citizenship, and fierce community pride. So much so that in 1945, “Live Free or Die” was adopted as New Hampshire’s official motto. In the decades since, it has become perhaps the best known of all state mottos, speaking to the independent spirit so ingrained in American political philosophy.

The seeds of the Live Free or Die Alliance (LFDA) were planted over the last decade, as several of the state’s business, civic, and cultural leaders began noticing a marked drop in the amount of time and interest their fellow citizens were willing or able to invest in state and local affairs. Concerned about the impact this shift could have on future generations, these men and women began to meet and exchange ideas for helping to recruit and reignite public involvement.

Over those 10 years, there emerged both a consensus and the framework for an organization that could provide New Hampshire residents with a modern, dynamic forum for learning and talking about the public policies affecting their state and communities – a way to spark new discussion and to help citizens once again take control of the issues central to their lives and their families.

The Live Free or Die Alliance was officially born in 2008, founded by a broad spectrum of NH citizens from every region of the state and every political persuasion, the common thread among these people the desire to reduce partisanship and engage NH citizens. Some of the key and early founders were Paul and Sandra Montrone, Anna Grace and Paul Holloway, and Fred and Donna Seigel, and their personal financial commitments along with others have helped fund the launching of the LFDA (Click links for a complete list of Founding Members and LFDA Donors).

The roots of the LFDA are as deep as the town hall debates that have for centuries been a hallmark of life in New Hampshire. In 2009, as the Granite State celebrated the 200th anniversary of General Stark’s famous proclamation, the Live Free or Die Alliance launched its website www.livefreeordiealliance.com and committed itself to building a network of citizens that spans age and ideology, using ever-evolving communications technology to facilitate the exchange of ideas, and promoting the values, traditions, and sense of civic responsibility vital to the New Hampshire Way.