This Video has a lot of information about the New Hampshire flag and the Live Free or Die motto.
Live Free Or Die
Although the general design used on New Hampshire’s NH flag had been in use since 1784, , with slight changes made in New Hampshire’s flag in 1931. it became official in 1909 The New Hampshire state seal is the focus of this flag, depicting an optimistic rising sun behind the Raleigh, which was a ship built for use in the Revolutionary War. It is surrounded by a wreath of laurel, an ancient symbol of fame, honor, and victory. The nine stars within the wreath show that New Hampshire was the ninth state to join the Union. The water stands for the harbor of Portsmouth, and in the lower left corner is granite, a strong and sturdy rock, representing the New Hampshire/s rugged landscape and the sturdy character of the people. New Hampshire’s nickname is the Granite State. New Hampshire State Flag Adopted: 1909
In 1996, HB 552 proposed a blue flag with the state seal, but only a half circle of wreathe & stars over the seal, while there would be a banner below the seal with the words “Live Free or Die” on it.
In 2000, SB 423, introduced by Sen. Lou D’Allesandro D-Manchester, sought to replaced the seal with a representation of the Old Man of the Mountain. Above and to the left of the Old Man were the words “New Hampshire,” and a banner below the Old Man read “Live Free or Die
In 2001, SB 94 (also introduced by Sen. D’Allesandro) divided the flag into two halves; one half featured the Old Man, and the other half
showcased the state seal. Below the two symbols was the phrase “Live Free or Die.”
There were two attempts in 2004. HB 1231 would have changed the flag to show “Live Free or Die” and the Old Man of the Mountain, while SB 319 would have removed the state seal and replaced it with the Great Stone Face.
In 2005, HB 123 would have simply added “Live Free or Die” to the current flag.
Back in 1978, the New Hampshire Sunday News and The Union Leader conducted a “just for fun” state flag contest. Several hundred people offered suggestions. The winning entry, submitted by Melvin Whitcomb Jr., of Concord, also had nine stars around the state seal and the “Live Free or Die” motto, but his seal featured the Old Man of the Mountain. Of 195 votes, Whitcomb’s design received 77 out of 195 votes, beating out seven other finalists to earn a $25 prize. Mitchell’s new designs were unsolicited, and there are no current plans to replace any state flags.
