August 1 is the official national holiday in Switzerland. The three original cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden joined together in the "Eternal Confederation", also known as the "Rütli Oath", which formed the core of what is now Switzerland over the course of more than five centuries. Men from these three cantons sealed an eternal covenant "at the beginning of the month of August 1291" AD, vowing mutual aid and support. The alliance was mainly directed against the Habsburgs, who at that time were trying to strengthen their influence on the territories at the access to the Gotthard. The Swiss commemorate this fact every year on August 1st, a day of reflection: with bonfires and minutes of silence, people reflect on the past, the future and life in general. It is a beautiful custom that we make our Swiss national holiday visible from afar with bonfires. After all, high-altitude bonfires that shine across valleys and mountains are a powerful symbol of togetherness.
The B-17 Museum Utzenstorf, Switzerland wishes everyone a happy National Day
1. August
