Saint-Apollinaire, Quebec
Éric Marmen has been leading the charge in assisting and honouring Veterans in and around Lévis, Quebec, for many years. A Veteran of the Régiment de la Chaudière, he became passionate about the regiment’s rich history and of the importance of honouring Canadian Veterans long before his retirement in 2016. He coordinates visits to Veterans, organizes transportation for Veterans to attend events and delivers public presentations on their many important contributions to Canada. Éric has been director of the Régiment de la Chaudière Museum since 2007 and has improved and expanded it from a modest collection of artifacts to a fully functioning, contemporary museum. Perhaps most important, Éric has formed a deep connection with many Veterans and their families, learning from them and honouring them until they reach their final resting place.
For many years, Éric has coordinated activities within the Régiment de la Chaudière, the regimental museum and with friends of the regiment to honour and commemorate Veterans. He plans group and personal visits to Veterans in long-term care and in their homes. He delivers frequent presentations to the public on the human and military contributions of the Canadian military. He also coordinates transportation for Veterans to allow them to attend different Veteran-centered activities and commemorative events.
Éric also plans conferences with Veterans as keynote speakers and organizes military-centered book launches at the Lévis Armory.
While passionate about the entire military history in Canada, Éric has shown a specific care and compassion for Second World War Veterans. He has sought to honour their service by organizing commemorative events but also forms a deep personal connection with many Veterans and their families, remaining by their side until their passing and often offering eulogies at their funerals. He continues to be in personal contact with spouses and families of Veterans after their passing.
In 2007, while still serving, Éric took on the volunteer role of director of the Régiment de la Chaudière Museum to honour the regiment but also all other Veterans who cross his path. These Veterans inspired him to further develop the museum to ensure it honours the Veterans of the Second World War but also those who have worn the uniform dating back to the first colonies of New France. Initially a modest collection of artifacts, Éric developed what has become a true contemporary museum. Now in retirement, Éric continues to pursue this goal.