At a time when the majestic Alps protected the region, Habsburg rule hung like a threatening cloud over the valleys of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. The people groaned under its weight, while their longing for freedom grew.
Three men rose from the oppression: Walter Prince of Uri, a man of dignity and wisdom, Werner Stauffacher of Schwyz, a leader of unshakeable integrity, and Arnold von Melchtal of Unterwalden, a symbol of indomitable courage.
The heroes planted their swords in the ground and laid the roots of a movement that would change history.
WITH SOLEMN RESOLVE, THEY SWORE TO RECLAIM THEIR FREEDOM AND FIGHT FOR JUSTICE.
‘We will be one nation of brothers, in no adversity or danger shall we be divided. We will be free, as the fathers were, rather to die than to live in bondage. Let us trust in the Most High God and not be afraid of the power of men.’
The news of their oath spread like wildfire and ignited the spark of resistance in the enslaved people.