JAFFREY, N.H. (AP) – A rally to celebrate New Hampshire’s state motto ended up on a watch list of extremist events after it was promoted by a national white supremacist group.

Organizers of the Aug. 26 “Live Free or Die Celebration” describe the rally as a nonpolitically aligned, citizen-sponsored event to discuss the motto’s history along with state issues including eminent domain, immigration and land preservation. But the Anti-Defamation League called it an “extremist event” on its Internet watch list after seeing the rally listed on the Council of Conservative Citizens’ Web site.

Organizer Jean Coutu, 48, of Jaffrey, said Friday he asked the council for help because of its experience organizing rallies and outdoor events, and agreed to the council’s request to list the rally on its Web site “strictly with the understanding that it was a nonaligned event.”

Coutu said though he supports the council’s views on immigration, he does not subscribe to its pro-white stance, which is described on the Web site as a belief that “the American people and government should remain European in their composition and character.”

“The Live Free or Die celebration is in no way shape or form white supremacist,” Coutu said. “This was put on by a group of very nice people.”

Meanwhile, fellow organizer Richard Olson said he was spreading the word that hate groups will not be welcome at the event. He said anyone with literature, signs, or clothing promoting racist views would be asked to leave the rally.

Organizers said the rally would go on, despite cancellations from two scheduled speakers. Former Republican U.S. Rep and state Supreme Court Chuck Douglas former state Rep. Charles Royce, R-Jaffrey, both dropped out of the rally. State Sen. Robert Letourneau, R-Derry, who had agreed to speak about the history of the state motto, also said he will consider canceling if the rally stays on the Anti-Defamation League’s list.

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On the Net:

Jaffrey rally listing: http://keenefreepress.com/livefreeordie-ad.pdf

Anti-Defamation League: http://www.adl.org/learn/Events-2001/events-2003-flashmap.asp

Council of Conservative Citizens: http://www.cofcc.org/info/cofcc-news.php