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By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty

Massachusetts State Motto

Geology and topography map of Massachusetts from USGS; A Tapestry of  Time & Terrain.

Official State Motto of Massachusetts

The official state motto of Massachusetts is "Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" (Latin translation; "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty"). All State Mottos

The Latin motto was adopted in 1775 by the Provincial Congress and appears on the state's coat of arms, which is featured on both the state flag and state seal of Massachusetts.

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