The Veterans' Memorial March
The large-scale memorial visit and diplomatic efforts held in honor of Kaiser Wilhelm I’s funeral had, for a brief time, brought Bismarck and Germany a welcome outcome.
Through the highest-level envoys dispatched to the funeral, the German Empire and its allies had demonstrated that the alliance system centered in Berlin remained unshaken.
Britain and the other friendly nations had confirmed the enduring validity of the existing royal relations by sending high-ranking royalty.
Even Russia, whose relations had soured over the Lombard Ban, had shown its intention to forge better ties with the new emperor by dispatching a crown prince.
In summary, Germany had widely publicized the stability of the imperial system and the resilience of Bismarck’s regime, thereby preventing the position it had long enjoyed in Berlin from being shaken.
Yet this achievement had been only short-lived.
Whether German diplomacy could continue to hold its current position would depend entirely on the actions of the new emperor.
Waldemar had taken little part in these political matters.
He had neither the inclination nor the capacity to do so now.
Instead, he had thrown himself into his own affairs during those weeks.
What those affairs were, he had announced with characteristic bluntness:
“I will conduct a memorial project in honor of His Majesty Kaiser Wilhelm I!”
Waldemar had launched a support program for the veterans who had been wounded in the Boer War, all under the name of Wilhelm I.
Of course, behind the generosity toward the Veterans’ Association there had been a clear political purpose.
“The Veterans’ Association? Those are pressure groups with enormous political influence.”
In modern America, the Veterans’ Association would be roughly equivalent to a committee on the level of the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee.
The prince had wanted to support these veterans in order to catch three rabbits at once: the goodwill of the conservatives, the military, and the ordinary people.
“Doesn’t that sound politically sensitive?”
One of his social friends had voiced such concerns, but Waldemar had paid no attention.
“Even if it is for his grandfather’s posthumous honor, he wants to do some work. Who would dare to interfere?”
Waldemar had not truly intended to mourn his grandfather with deep sincerity, but the project had been conducted openly under the name of Wilhelm I.
To challenge the dead Kaiser and the German royal house was, in effect, to challenge them.
‘Those who think that and rush in are fools.’
Waldemar had therefore thrown himself into active support for the Veterans’ Association.
“From now on, it is a serious problem that there are not even enough places for the veterans who have devoted themselves to the country to gather and speak. I will build a hall for them with my own funds.”
“Your Highness! Is this truly sincere?”
“Of course.”
Waldemar had begun with the construction of a hall for the Veterans’ Association and then fulfilled every wish they had longed for.
“I will also assist with the medical issue. Every year, in the name of Waldemar, I will donate thousands of medicines, including aspirin, to the Veterans’ Association.”
“Your Highness, you are truly the grandson of the late Emperor. There is no one else who cherishes us as you do.”
In addition to the hall and medicines, Waldemar had provided uniforms.
“After all, it is not right for the veterans to wear only shabby clothes. I will prepare splendid uniforms for them.”
Waldemar had not merely promised; he had actually placed large orders for the uniforms.
The Veterans’ Association had been overwhelmed with gratitude for Waldemar’s generous support of both the hall and the uniforms.
“Thank you, truly thank you, Your Highness.”
Waldemar had promised at least a thousand splendid uniforms to the Veterans’ Association.
The expected price had been around 110,000 marks, yet for Waldemar it had been a manageable sum.
‘It’s nothing I can’t afford.’
The hall had required only the cost of purchasing and furnishing a few buildings.
One hundred thousand marks would have been more than sufficient.
The medicines could have been obtained cheaply from Bayer and BASF with reduced profit margins.
Considering the cost price, even if taken a little above cost, the total could have been kept under 10,000 marks.
The entire expenditure had reached a maximum of 210,000 marks, but given Waldemar’s enormous wealth, it had been a perfectly bearable sum.
‘I need to show a greater asset scale, but it is still a cheap price for what I will receive.’
With a little inconvenience as the price, gaining the support of one of Germany’s most powerful organizations—the Veterans’ Association—and the goodwill of the conservatives and the people had been a worthwhile venture for Waldemar.
‘Then I should also take care of what I want.’
Waldemar had decided to claim a small interest on the gifts he had already given.
“By the way, Chairman.”
“Yes, Your Highness. Is there something further you wish to say?”
“I would like to hold a memorial ceremony for my grandfather. Could the Veterans’ Association assist with that?”
After helping so generously, would the Veterans’ Association refuse the request?
The Veterans’ Association had no choice but to accept.
“I will gladly assist.”
Waldemar had proposed a memorial march in honor of Wilhelm I.
“A march?”
“I will not participate directly in the event. It might cause misunderstandings.”
Waldemar had stated that, as a sponsor, he would watch the proceedings and appear only at the final moment to announce his name.
The Veterans’ Association had readily agreed to the assurance of no political misunderstanding.
“Very well, Your Highness. We will organize a march.”
Waldemar had also offered some ideas to the Veterans’ Association.
“The event should be held at night, and it would be good to carry torches, military flags, and symbols such as those of the Roman legion.”
“Ah, that image might be quite striking.”
It had been.
This was the street-march style the Nazis would later use so enthusiastically at every rally.
The Veterans’ Association had declared that they would prepare the event thoroughly.
While the Veterans’ Association was preparing the event, Waldemar had met John Connor and asked about the market price of German bonds during the funeral period.
“It fell sharply at first but quickly stabilized. If timed correctly, I would have profited, but it would not have been easy.”
“Had I touched it, the German government would have been poisoned and come at me. It was a matter of the new government’s face.”
“That is exactly right, Your Highness.”
“Nevertheless, the bond trends suggest that the market has accepted the new emperor’s accession without anxiety.”
“For now, that is the case.”
“Please keep a close watch on the bond flows for the time being.”
“I will be cautious.”
Waldemar had spent the following weeks attending only quiet social gatherings and charity events until the Veterans’ Association was ready.
And two weeks later,
The Veterans’ Association had informed him that preparations were complete.
Waldemar had immediately dressed in the ceremonial uniform and sent someone to Alix to prepare her attire as well.
“What? You said you would not attend the social gathering this weekend?”
“It is more important than that.”
At Waldemar’s words, Alix had appeared bewildered and hurriedly prepared her clothing.
The memorial procession had been held on the evening of January 31.
When thousands of veterans appeared in their splendid uniforms as the sun set, the gazes of the Berlin citizens had gathered.
At the front of the wreath had been written:
“To the great Emperor. To our Emperor Wilhelm. With loyal remembrance. Grateful veterans of all.”
“Is this the memorial procession for His Majesty the Emperor?”
Because the event had been reported in advance to the authorities, mounted police had appeared to control the line.
Veterans wearing Pickelhaube hats had marched through the streets carrying various military flags and torches while playing military music.
“It somehow looks rather grand.”
The Berlin citizens had felt curious about the unusual memorial procession.
The veterans had walked through the streets of Berlin carrying military flags and eagle symbols that sparkled in the light.
When the citizens realized they were a memorial procession, everyone had removed their hats in respect.
The children, however, had felt admiration for the veterans’ sparkling uniforms, flags, and symbols.
Eventually, the procession had stopped in front of the Charlottenburg mausoleum.
“Your Highness. Great monarch of ours. We promise here. Swearing eternal loyalty and dedication to the new Emperor Wilhelm II Your Highness, hanging on the proud flag.”
“We swear.”
The Veterans’ Association’s event had been flawless in every detail, but its conclusion had been particularly fine.
Especially the transfer of loyalty to the late Emperor into a pledge of loyalty to the new Emperor.
Upon hearing the news, Wilhelm II had been greatly pleased and instructed the Veterans’ Association to grant a special reward.
“Whoever was said to have sponsored this event?”
Wilhelm II had decided to reward greatly the person who had moved the Veterans’ Association to preserve his own face.
For commoners, the opportunity to rise to nobility; for soldiers, the opportunity for promotion; for nobles, the opportunity to gain honor.
When Wilhelm II asked, his personal aide Hans von Plessen had answered cautiously.
“The Veterans’ Association side found out that the sponsor was Prince Waldemar.”
“Ah, Waldemar, what?”
Wilhelm II had been startled by the sudden name of his younger brother.
“Yes, His Highness Waldemar.”
“Did that fellow sponsor this event?”
“It was not merely sponsoring. I understand he also provided uniforms and assisted with the ideas and costs necessary for the event.”
Upon hearing that, Wilhelm II had felt a complicated emotion.
He had completely pushed his brother out of politics and turned him into a dilettante in society.
Yet that man had spared neither time nor money to help him.
Loyalty as reward.
Dedication as belief.
Wilhelm had always believed he had done that, but it seemed he had not been able to do it to his brother.
Wilhelm had fallen into thought for a moment.
‘Promise me. I will not treat that child unfairly.’
Wilhelm had recalled his father’s last wish.
Wilhelm had pondered for a long time and made a difficult decision.
“Chamberlain.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Increase Prince Waldemar’s royal pension to 100,000 marks.”
“However, Your Majesty.”
Increasing the royal pension was not merely a matter of a simple sum.
It was also an indicator of how much favor the royal was receiving from the royal family.
“Do as you wish.”
The chamberlain, following the new emperor’s command, had no longer hesitated.
“I will follow Your Majesty’s command.”
Wilhelm had looked at the retreating chamberlain and fallen into thought.
‘I cannot allow favor or status, but I can allow prestige.’
Wilhelm had sent his own reply to the gift from his brother.