Rural and urban Switzerland unite to celebrate National Day

Several hundred people gathered on the Rütli meadow in Canton Uri to celebrate Swiss National Day on August 1, focusing on the unity that binds Switzerland's diverse regions. Notably, no member of the Federal Council attended this year's event. Visitors from Canton Schwyz arrived on a grey, rainy Thursday morning, but the skies cleared by midday, allowing the ceremony to proceed under blue skies and sunshine. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Anders Stokholm, president of the Swiss Society for the Common Good, which organises the ceremony, highlighted that the laying of Switzerland's foundation stone is celebrated on August 1. This year's celebration centred on unity. Stokholm emphasised that Switzerland's diversity is its strength, stating, "Switzerland cannot be reduced to a single denominator." He noted that shaping the country's future is best achieved together, though it requires tolerance to foster mutual understanding. +Swiss President Amherd: unity ...