FIRE OF RUETLI.
SWITZERLAND'S ANNIVERSARY. To-day the Swiss celebrated the 650th anniversary of Switzerland’s independence. commemorating the “oath of federation” sworn at Iluetli in 1291 by the men of the three original cantons in the following terms: —“We wish to l>e one united nation of brothers; we will never he divided in any distress or danger. We will be free as our fathers were. We will die rather than live in slavery.” Switzerland today is a confederation based on this oath, which is to he renewed during the celebrations.
Events began at midnight of July 31-August 1: the Beacon of Federation was lit by the leading magistrates of the three “original cantons.” Front this blaze torch-bearers lit their torches and carried them in relays to all cantons of the country—thus the same lire, the same flame, burned in all parts of Switzerland to-day. when Swiss individually will renew the oath.
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Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 206, 1 August 1941, Page 5
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150FIRE OF RUETLI. Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 206, 1 August 1941, Page 5
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