https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/b7a2a60c-8d9e-4bc4-b556-fb4a29a42c3f Support us on Patreon, visit https://www.patreon.com/PeriscopeFilm Made in 1946, "G.I.s in Switzerland" shows a post-WWII program in which American G.I.s and servicewomen are taken to Switzerland for rest & relaxation in a nation not affected by the devastation of the war. The film was made by Hermann Haller and David Wechsler, most likely as a propaganda effort on behalf of the nation of Switzerland. The Swiss endured criticism during the war for their neutral stance and were viewed in some quarters as Nazi collaborators who benefitted from the German plunder of European wealth. The film documents the journey of American GIs traveling to Switzerland for a vacation after the end of World War II. The soldiers, having endured the hardships of war, are greeted with warmth and hospitality as they arrive in Switzerland, where they explore picturesque towns like Lugano, Lucerne, and Zurich. They visit historic sites, experience Swiss culture, enjoy scenic landscapes, and engage in activities such as fishing, Alpine gliding, and sightseeing in the Swiss Alps. The video highlights Switzerland’s unique role in global diplomacy and its peaceful post-war recovery. It also emphasizes the strong ties between Switzerland and the United States, as the soldiers reflect on shared ideals and the return to peace. 00:00-0:46: Narrator introduces the theme of American GIs traveling to Switzerland for a vacation after the war. 0:46-1:19: The narrator describes the departure of American soldiers from southern Italy to the Milan airport on a special vacation trip. A sense of optimism fills the air, as they prepare for a peaceful retreat. 1:19-2:01: The GIs are greeted at the Milan airport, and the group arrives at a meeting point, indicating a smooth start to their trip to Switzerland. 2:01-3:14: The GIs choose their vacation routes, with a special mention of a group from Michigan and Chicago. The American liaison officer welcomes the soldiers, and the trip continues with a scenic journey to Lugano. 3:14-4:25: In Lugano, the soldiers enjoy the warmth and beauty of the area, while those from other European theaters visit historical sites in Switzerland, such as the Cathedral of Basel. 4:25-5:46: The narrator discusses Switzerland's military defense, including the Gotthard Tunnel, and highlights historical sites such as the city of Bern, known for its bear symbol and beautiful architecture. 5:46-7:11: The GIs visit Bern, see its ancient clock tower, and learn about the history of Swiss watches, including the impact of Geneva's watch industry. 7:11-8:06: The GIs enjoy some lighthearted fun, with one soldier joking about the efficiency of Swiss-made products, such as cars. The narrator reflects on the long-standing American admiration of cities like Lucerne. 8:06-9:36: The GIs travel across scenic Swiss landscapes, passing through villages and scenic lakes. In St. Moritz, they participate in some trout fishing, symbolizing the peacefulness of post-war Switzerland. 9:36-12:05: In Zurich, the largest Swiss city, the soldiers encounter local culture, including traditional Swiss peasants and a brief history of Zurich's role in Protestantism. They also explore nearby Appenzell, known for its folk music and traditions. 12:05-13:27: The GIs continue their journey into the high Alps, visiting famous locations such as the Jungfrau, the highest railway station in Europe. The soldiers witness the practical application of science and technology, like electricity, in Swiss mountain areas. 13:27-15:00: The GIs admire the beauty and engineering marvels of the Alps, including the mountain weather stations. The soldiers experience the difference in weather and enjoy the majestic snow-covered peaks. 15:00-17:31: The documentary highlights Switzerland's contrasts, such as the highest peaks, the development of Geneva as an international city, and its role in global diplomacy, including the League of Nations. 17:31-18:27: A segment discusses the popularity of cycling in Switzerland post-war and the growing sport of Alpine gliding, which the GIs try. The video reflects on the peaceful post-war period where American soldiers can travel freely within Switzerland. 18:27-18:46: The film concludes by emphasizing the shared ideals of Switzerland and the United States, marking the end of the war and celebrating peace. Motion picture films don't last forever; many have already been lost or destroyed. We collect, scan and preserve 35mm, 16mm and 8mm movies -- including home movies, industrial films, and other non-fiction. If you have films you'd like to have scanned or donate to Periscope Film, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us via the link below. This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZEllpilshg Mirrored from Periscope Film (https://www.youtube.com/@PeriscopeFilm) Fri, 12 Jun 2026 03:23:23 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://peertube.dngr.us https://peertube.dngr.us/lazy-static/avatars/41a6fee9-7f57-42d0-a5fc-5db4f1af2e31.png https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/b7a2a60c-8d9e-4bc4-b556-fb4a29a42c3f All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://peertube.dngr.us/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.