June 6th marked the 71st anniversary of D-Day. Members of the Louisiana Patriot Guard usually only sees each other at military funerals and send offs, but Saturday, June 6th they came together at Beaver Park to have a BBQ and simply to enjoy each others company.

The organization was founded in 2005. Now the group has grown to over 300,000 members across the United States.

This year, being the 10th anniversary of the organization and the anniversary of D-Day, Cindy Rogers, the Louisiana’s Patriot Guard Communications Captain says the members decided to get together to have a little fun.

“You get to know each other but you only get to see each other at really sad events, so this is a way for us to do something that’s not sad.” Said Rogers.

The organization participated in their first funeral in 2006 after protest were made at military funeral in 2005. Rogers says after seeing the support of the family they couldn’t stop.

“The family was just so appreciative of people being there that didn’t know their son, and you just had to go back.” Said Rogers.

The group was originally founded to help shield military families from disturbances or protesters.

Kenny Case, the Louisiana Patriot Guard Captain says the members serve as a wall of respect for the family, and to honor the fallen solider.

“We just take a lot of members with flags and go stand in front of whoever is there to try and disrupt it.” Said Case.

While many of the members are veterans, Case says the group is open to anyone who wants to show their support.

“Anybody can join our organization. All you have to have is a respect for our men and women in uniform.” Said case.

For more information on the Patriot Guard Riders you can visit www.patriotguard.org.