In the name of God! Amen.
It is an honorable work and serves the good of all when treaties that are intended to preserve peace and tranquillity in the country are brought into legally binding and permanent form, as they should be.
This is how it begins, the Federal Charter with which the eternal covenant of 1291 was sealed.
725 years have passed since this event!
A history that could not be more varied and changeable!
And yet, despite all the resistance, the Swiss Confederation still exists!
Still a beacon of freedom in the midst of a turbulent world!
No longer as radiant as it once was, but still upholding the principles of the French Revolution of liberty, equality and fraternity like no other nation.
With a democracy that is second to none!
Let us be grateful for the providence of our ancestors, who had the courage to create something unique.
Let us be grateful to our ancestors, who defended our homeland at the cost of the highest good, be it at Morgarten, Sempach or elsewhere!
Let us also be grateful to our forefathers, who shaped Switzerland over the centuries.
But also to our great-grandparents and grandparents, who were prepared to go to extremes in two world wars and thus kept the torch of freedom shining in the most terrible of times!
Either way, let us be thankful for our small, beautiful country that we are allowed to call home!
Whether you start the day with a brunch on the farm or with the family at home! Whether you go to a party in the village or the city or stay at home with family or friends! It doesn't matter! Let's celebrate and be proud of our beautiful homeland!
All hail Helvetia!
With this in mind, have a wonderful federal celebration!