Happy August 1st
Posted by Sonja Hoffmann on
Switzerland has existed as a state in its present form since the adoption of the Swiss Federal Constitution in 1848. The precursors of Switzerland established a protective alliance at the end of the 13th century (1291), forming a loose confederation of states which persisted for centuries. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland)
The Swiss celebrate their national day on August 1st!
According to legend, Wilhelm Tell, who was an expert marksman with the crossbow and assassinated Albrecht Gessler, a tyrannical reeve of the Austrian dukes of the House of Habsburg was instrumental for the founding of Switzerland. Tell's defiance and tyrannicide encouraged the population of canton Uri to open rebellion and a pact against the foreign rulers with neighboring Schwyz and Unterwalden, marking the foundation of the Swiss Confederacy.
A statue to honor Wilhelm Tell can be found in Altdorf.
(picture credit to Wolfgang Trube, taking a picture of my mom)
Celebrate in style with Raclette. Raclette grills, Raclette melter and Swiss Raclette cheese can be found on this website.