Live Free or Die Carving

Live Free or Die Carving

Full Inscription: "Live Free or Die"

In 1809, ill and unable to attend a reunion gathering for the Battle of Bennington, American Revolutionary War General John Stark sent this toast to be offered at the event: “Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils.”

Inspired by his words and in recognition of Stark’s exemplary service, in 1945 the state of New Hampshire adopted Live Free or Die as its state motto – even specifying the flanking five-pointed star design (which by chance we had already included in our carving plans prior to finding the state statute!).

Descendants of the John Stark encouraged us to create this carving based on his famous toast - and we were proud to do so. It captures the indomitable spirit of independence inherit in the state’s history and in its citizens, and, in fact, is actually one of the best examples of a true “never say die” attitude. Today, it stands as distinctive among state mottoes in preserving the original sentiment of the American Revolution.

• Source: General John Stark, Reunion Toast, July 31, 1809, and other sources dating back to the French Revolution (1789 – 1799) and possibly earlier.
• Product Dimensions: 8" X 32" X 3/4"
• Charitable Category: A portion of the proceeds from this piece benefits Veteran’s programs.
• Of Note: Copyright 2017 GTI, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Made in USA.

(Note: This carving is now available. However, photos of it in our various finish options are not. Please refer to finish options shown in some of our other products for reference in the meantime.)