Riot police from ’68 Democratic National Convention and ’69 Days of Rage plan reunion

In a move that is sure to stir controversy, the Fraternal Order of Police has scheduled a reunion of Chicago riot police who were involved in two of the city's most infamous episodes: the 1968 Democratic National Convention and the 1969 Days of Rage. In both instances, cops clashed with youth-driven anti-war groups.

On the Fraternal Order of Police events calendar, the listing for the June 26 reunion, which serves as a fundraiser for the Chicago Police Memorial Fund, is sandwiched between a pair of golf outings, a couples' workshop and an ostensibly irony-free pig roast. "If you were an officer during the 1968 or 1969 Chicago riots," the listing reads, "come be a part of this Reunion! Come and share stories with fellow officers."

A message on what is apparently the reunion's official information site reads:

The time has come that the Chicago Police be honored and recognized for their contributions to maintaining law and order - and for taking a stand against Anarchy.

The time was the hot summer month of August '68. The Democratic National Convention was about to start and the only thing that stood between Marxist street thugs and public order was a thin blue line of dedicated, tough Chicago police officers.

For decades the collective Left has white-washed what really happened during the riots of 1968 and 1969. Chicago Police officers who participated in the riots continue to endure unending criticism - all of which is unwarranted, inaccurate and wrong.

In response, Chicago Copwatch, a police watchdog organization, has planned a demonstration to coincide with the reunion. Protesters will meet at 6pm in Union Park (Ashland Ave and Lake St) and march to FOP headquarters (1412 W Washington Blvd) . The groups states its opposition thusly:

When [police] gather to celebrate one of the largest mass beatings in Chicago history they are also meeting to celebrate the savagery of that generation of the CPD. This is a celebration not only for the police who beat down DNC protesters, but also the ones who attacked the Puerto Rican community during 1966 Division Street Uprising, and assassinated Black Panther Party leaders Fred Hampton and Mark Clark. This reunion will be bringing together cops from this era with those who are currently oppressing our marches, occupying our communities, brutalizing, and mudrering young people across the city. Join Chicago Copwatch for a march against police brutality and in celebration of Mark Clark's life who would be celebrating his 62nd birthday on June 28th.

How do you feel about this reunion: harmless fraternity or glorification of police brutality?