Chapter 99 The Grand Military Parade
January 10, 1902, 8:00 a.m., Sydney—on the square opposite the National Government Building.
After long anticipation, Australia's National Day had finally arrived, a day awaited by every citizen of the country.
From early morning, over ten thousand people had gathered on the square. Some came with stools and food; others simply brought friends and family to claim a good spot and sat directly on the ground to chat.
But getting a good view in this relatively small square wasn't easy. The prime locations near the parade stand and main avenue had long since been claimed—some people had even arrived the day before, all just to secure a better view of the parade.
This level of enthusiasm showed just how passionate Australians had become. To see their beloved Duke and the soldiers who had trained for half a year, sacrificing a night's sleep was a small price to pay.
As time passed, the crowd grew even larger. Even outside the square, masses of people clogged Sydney's main roads, bringing traffic to a standstill.
Fortunately, automobiles had not yet entered mass circulation. On a day like today, had cars been common, the streets would've been completely impassable.
Then, the bell tower chimed to mark 8:00 a.m.
A car slowly rolled into view—it was the custom-built vehicle Benz and Diesel had crafted specifically for Arthur.
The car had been modified with reinforced steel and laminated glass. Short of a barrage from heavy machine guns or rifles, it could ensure the safety of its passengers.
Despite these protections, performance had not been sacrificed—in fact, it had improved slightly.
As the car approached, the crowd erupted into waves of cheers—they knew their beloved Duke was inside.
A guard opened the door, and Arthur stepped out, smiling as he nodded to the crowd. He then joined the government officials and led the way onto the reviewing platform.
A microphone had been prepared in advance, connected to several large loudspeakers around the square.
So that the people throughout the square—and even those on adjacent streets—could hear Arthur and the officials speak, the government had resorted to this setup.
Though the loudspeakers created some noise for those standing nearby, they had already been tested to ensure they wouldn't damage anyone's hearing.
As Arthur approached the microphone, the National Day ceremony officially began.
"Good morning, citizens of Australia," Arthur began, gazing at the crowd below. "Today is a great day for Australia. On this day two years ago, our beloved homeland declared its founding. In just two short years, we have watched this barren land grow into a nation with a budding industrial foundation. We've built factories, schools, hospitals, retirement homes, and orphanages—facilities to benefit the people of Australia. Today, we can proudly declare that we have faith in living here, and faith in living well in Australia!"
His speech was met with rounds of thunderous applause, as if affirming the nation's recent progress.
"But this is not the final goal for myself, the government, or the people of Australia," Arthur continued. "We must keep working tirelessly. The government and all Australians must strive to build a more complete welfare system and ensure the rights of every citizen. We must also strengthen our military, to guarantee the independence and security of our great nation. Australia…"
Arthur's speech lasted over half an hour, with several thousand words in total.
Most of it praised the achievements of the government and monarchy, while encouraging the people to continue their efforts for the country's development.
Given Arthur's prestige and popularity, the message landed with full effect. Many Australians were visibly moved, inspired to devote themselves to the nation's progress.
Satisfied with the crowd's reaction, Arthur nodded and passed the next segment to Prime Minister Evan.
Naturally, Arthur wouldn't host the entire ceremony himself. That responsibility now fell to the most respected figure in the government—Prime Minister Evan.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby declare the commencement of the second anniversary of the founding of Australia! First, let us solemnly watch as our national flag rises into the sky—music, please!" Prime Minister Evan announced with dignity.
Australia still didn't have an official national anthem. Most countries in the world hadn't formalized one yet.
So, for now, all major Australian ceremonies still used Britain's God Save the King—fitting, as Arthur was of direct British royal descent.
As the solemn melody of God Save the King echoed across the square, the vibrant Australian flag slowly rose into the sky.
Everyone—including Arthur—stood with respectful attention as the flag unfurled and soared gracefully in the wind.
"Next, under the Duke's command, we begin the military parade!" Evan continued once the flag ceremony concluded.
"Come, soldiers. On this glorious occasion marking the second anniversary of our nation's founding, in front of all the Australian people and with me as your witness, show the world the greatness of Australia's army!" Arthur said with a smile.
Arthur was extremely proud of his newly trained troops.
The new army had been forged through a combination of German military experts and soldiers from the British Royal Guard. In discipline and combat readiness, they were unquestionably of high caliber.
Though training them had cost a great deal, it was well worth it.
Clop-clop-clop!
With the crisp and powerful sound of hooves, the Royal Guard Cavalry Regiment was the first to appear.
The Royal Guard of the British Empire needed no introduction. Uniform weapons, matching attire, and impeccably synchronized movement gave them the unmistakable aura of a hardened military force.
"For the glory of His Grace—advance!" they shouted in unison as they passed the reviewing stand.
(End of Chapter)
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