Germans fete Frederick's anniversary

POTSDAM, Germany, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Prussia's King Frederick the Great finally gets his due this year, as Germany began a yearlong celebration of his 300th birthday with a parade in Potsdam.

Authentically costumed marchers mixed with admirers to place flowers on his grave at his Potsdam palace last week, The New York Times reported, as well as potatoes, the New World crop he encouraged his people to cultivate.

Technically not German but Prussian, Frederick is seen today as an enlightened 18th century despot who unified a coalition of weak states and turned them into a European power by 1772.

Although Nazi admiration of his militarism tarnished his reputation, Germany is now prepared for a year of lectures, presentations and pomp to honor a Renaissance man who composed music, wrote articles on philosophy and designed Berlin buildings when not leading his troops on the battlefield.

"It is this multifaceted figure that fascinates people more than the hero on the pedestal," commented Marina Heilmeyer, an art historian who helped curate an exhibit on Frederick's involvement with potatoes.

A major presentation is scheduled to open in April at the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation in Berlin, one of many planned throughout the year.