Within sight of the finish line of Sunday’s Louisiana Marathon, on the steps of the state Capitol, Gun Rights Across America held its second annual Stand Your Ground rally.
At every State Capitol in the United States, people gathered to show their support through the grassroots effort to promote the Second Amendment and to take a stand against what they see as the infringements of the right to bear arms.
In Louisiana, some sat on the seats of motorcycles and listened, others stood holding signs and others leaned on strollers while holding the hands of their children.
“[The right to bear arms] is a personal fundamental constitutional right for all of us,” said U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La. “But we are all here because we know very well that that right is under assault.”
Vitter said the crowd needed to be vigilant and active in taking a stance against the “assault” on the Second Amendment. A member of the crowd shouted in agreement.
“The good news is that we had a rally similar to this last year and because of that rally and thousands of others across the country, we beat back one of the biggest assaults on that right in decades,” Vitter said.
Vitter did not mention any specific legislation. He said he supports the protection of the Second Amendment because it allows citizens to protect their other rights.
An American flag fluttered in the breeze behind the podium.
John Eppinett, a Marine and event attendee, said people should be able to carry handguns openly on the Capitol’s grounds. Instead, a knife hung from Eppinett’s belt, because of the law’s restriction on guns, he said.
The event started with a group prayer and the singing of the national anthem by TV and radio host Johnny Rowland. Seven people then stepped up to the podium to speak about the Second Amendment, including Vitter, host of “Freedom Forum” Tom Parker and Senate Candidate Col. Rob Maness.
Alex Velasquez, a gun rights activist who immigrated to the U.S. in 1976, told the attendees to embrace their families, to prepare for anything and to be bold in their actions and prayers.
Between speakers, Rowland sang country music songs that contained anti-big government and pro-gun rights lyrics.
Maness, who is endorsed by the lobbying organization Gun Owners of America, said the Second Amendment is the insurance policy for freedom, and if elected to the senate, he would say no to any government initiative for stricter gun control.
“We’re pro-liberty, pro-prosperity, pro-certainty and we’re pro-Constitution of the United States,” Maness said. “This Constitution is worth our sacrifice.”
Keith Edwards, an event attendee, held a sign with Webster’s definition of fascism printed on it.
“I believe that the federal administration has overstepped its bounds,” Edwards said. “In 2009, I carried [a sign] that had the definition of communist but I think over the last four years that has changed.”
Denham Springs resident Rylan Grimmer, who openly carries a handgun, said he wished there had been more emphasis on responsible gun ownership and training at the rally.
“My weapon is for protection and for helping people,” Grimmer said. “I’m an average citizen who is prepared to help another citizen.”
“We’re pro-constitution of the United States.”