On the fields near Waterloo, Belgium, history came alive as Mark Schneider, an American brought in to re-enact Napoleon Bonaparte, commanded a legion of actors dressed as soldiers. With a fervent call of "Vive l’Empereur!" echoing across the battlefield, Schneider, donned in a black bicorne hat and riding a majestic white horse, matched the dimensions and demeanor of the iconic leader, albeit with a distinctly American twist to his French accent.
The massive re-enactment, which celebrated the 210th anniversary of the historic battle, attracted a record attendance of 17,000 spectators and featured 2,200 participants portraying soldiers from various factions. Schneider, originally from Long Island, was selected for his exceptional ability to inspire respect on the battlefield—a key factor that helped him outshine competitors from Belgium and Italy.
Arnaud Springuel, an organizer of the event, acknowledged Schneider's accent as "quite horrific," but emphasized that this did not deter from the authenticity of the performance. The broad participation and enthusiastic response from the audience underscored the event's significance as a homage to one of history's pivotal battles. As the actors paraded and reenacted battle strategies, they brought history to life, reminding attendees of the enduring legacy of Napoleon and his impact on the world.
