An American Napoleon: The Unlikely Star of Waterloo's 210th Anniversary

At the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, Mark Schneider from Long Island took on the role of Napoleon in a grand re-enactment, impressing organizers with his commanding presence despite his heavy American accent.

On a historic battlefield near the Belgian village of Waterloo, an unlikely figure took center stage in a significant reenactment commemorating one of history's most famous battles. Mark Schneider, an American war re-enactor from Long Island, confidently embodied Napoleon Bonaparte, rallying hundreds of participants and fans alike to shout, “Vive l’Empereur!” The event marked the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, showcasing a grand scale of 2,200 actors performing in front of a captivated audience of roughly 17,000 people.

Schneider, resembling the famed French leader with his height, angular features, and striking light gray-blue eyes, delivered orders with an air of authority. Yet, there was a striking twist: his French accent was described as “quite horrific” by Arnaud Springuel, one of the organizers of the event. Despite this, Springuel noted that it was not an issue for him, though it might surprise those who expected a more traditional portrayal of the French emperor.

Schneider was chosen for this distinguished role partly due to his exceptional ability to command respect in a battlefield setting, which impressed the organizers during the selection process. Ultimately, he beat out candidates from both Belgium and Italy to bring Napoleon to life for this monumental celebration in history. The event stood as a testament to the enduring fascination with Napoleonic history and the rich tradition of battle reenactments that appeal to war enthusiasts and history buffs worldwide.