Behind me we can see Rütli, the port of the Swiss Confederation. I am standing here on the Square of the Swiss Abroad: the landmark of the Swiss Abroad.
In 1991, on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation, this square was dedicated to all Swiss abroad as a landmark for their homeland.
The founders and benefactors were the government of Canton Schwyz, the Municipality of Ingenbohl-Brunnen, Schwyzer Kantonalbank, the Swiss Confederation and the Swiss Abroad.
The first president was Professor Dr. Walther Hofer.
Together with the Swiss Way, our Swiss Abroad Square is the last reminder of this 700-year celebration. What has happened in the last 30 years?
On the occasion of our 25th anniversary, the square was completely renovated, expanding it and improving the technical stations.
A new website has been created, and events have become more and bigger, among others, SRF bi de Lüt, Donnschtig-Jass, Wind Week, Spettacolo, artists have come here and made sculptures, the population has been able to see them, and the last event here in the square was Hollywood in Brunnen.
We don't want to forget the many information panels about the history of the Swiss Abroad, the organization of the Swiss Abroad and the development of this history.
I would like to take a brief look at the near future: we are happy that so many young people are organizing themselves in the OSA and making themselves available as Councilors of the Swiss Abroad to promote the interests of the Swiss abroad. I would like to make special mention of our "Artist in Residence" project. The goal is to give artists from abroad the opportunity to work here for a month at the Foundation's expense, so that they can work and present their results to the public. We would be very happy if you would like to promote our beautiful square in your destinations and have every Swiss abroad visit the square at least once. It is also an experience in the rain.
