Canada is one of approximately 73 countries invited by the French government to participate in the 2014 Bastille Day Military Parade. Also known as "Grand Défilé militaire", this annual French military parade has been held in Paris on the morning of July 14 since 1880, almost without exception. The parade's theme for 2014 is the First World War. Canada's youth will be represented by Laurence Jutras, Jean-Phillp Le Pape, Alexandre Rochon and Sylvie Séguin. All four are guides currently working at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in France.
In addition to Canada's youth participants, Leading Seaman Amalia Baptista, Lieutenant Marie-Ève Bernier and Warrant Officer Richard Boudreault will represent the Canadian Armed Forces as flag bearers and colour guards.
Laurence Jutras, 22, from Gatineau, Quebec, is a political science student (international relations) at McGill University in Montréal. She studied previously at Mount Allison University, in New Brunswick, and at Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific, in British Columbia. In 2011, Laurence paddled through British Columbia from Prince Rupert to Victoria—1,200 km in two months. She has worked as a guide at the Parliament of Canada and, this summer, is working as a guide at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.
Jean-Philippe Le Pape, 21, is from Gatineau, Quebec. For several years, he has lived and studied in Québec City, where he completed college studies in science, literature and arts. Jean-Philippe is currently a law student at the University of Montréal. He enjoys politics and philosophy, and finds travelling to be a great way to learn. Next fall, he will study in Cork, Ireland. His future plans are to travel, learn new languages, and pursue advanced studies and a profession in law. Prior to working this summer as a guide at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, Jean-Philippe found summer employment with an environmental organization based in Québec City and as a guide at national historic sites in Manitoba.
Alexandre Rochon is from Rockland, Ontario. He is currently studying psychology and health science at the University of Ottawa, with an interest in chemistry and physiology. Alexandre is also involved in theatre and writing. Recently, he worked as a parliamentary guide and interpreter, an experience which helped him discover an interest in politics and contemporary history, leading to his work at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. His spare time is filled with visiting museums, enjoying sushi and editing Wikipedia articles.
Sylvie Séguin is from Vars, Ontario. She is one of four children and was raised in a bilingual home. In 2012, Sylvie graduated with honours in History and a minor in French Literature from the University of Ottawa. In April 2014, she also completed her teacher training and plans to return to the University of Ottawa in September to complete graduate studies in History, with a focus on the First and Second World Wars. Prior to working at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial and the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Sylvie worked at the Juno Beach Centre in 2012 and was a guide at the Parliament of Canada for two years. She has also worked as a page in the House of Commons and has been a long-time member of and volunteers for Guides of Canada.
Leading Seaman Amalia Baptista was raised in Ottawa. Her parents came to Canada as Portuguese immigrants by way of France following the Second World War. One of only a few women in her trade, Leading Seaman Baptista is a Port Inspection Diver stationed in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She competes regularly on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces in triathlons and regularly surfs the frigid waters of the east coast. Her love of travel has allowed her to visit and work coastal waters off Northern Canada, the United States, Central America, Europe and Southeast Asia.
Lieutenant Marie-Ève Bernier is originally from Laval, Quebec. She completed a bachelor's degree in psychology at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston. During college, she completed internships at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton and Canadian Forces Station Alert, in Nunavut. She also took part in a 6-month student exchange program with the United States Military Academy (West Point). Lieutenant Bernier is currently stationed in Bagotville, Québec, where she works as a Human Resources Officer. She enjoys travelling, volunteering, history and outdoor activities.
Warrant Officer Richard Boudreault was born and raised in Québec City. He currently lives in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, Quebec. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1996. During his career, he served for a time in Afghanistan, where he worked as a section commander. Warrant Officer Boudreault strives to constantly improve, persevere and believe—and his career in the Canadian Armed Forces has allowed him to pursue these personal goals.
