The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation will host a film screening and discussion of “The Camden 28” at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16.
 

Camden 28 members Gene Dixon (far right), Milo Billman and Mike Giocondo march at a local rally in Camden. Photo courtesy of The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin

The film and discussion led by director Anthony Giacchino, of Astoria, N.Y., will focus on the group of 28 individuals who placed themselves at risk of arrest and imprisonment while protesting the Vietnam War. The program will be held at the Vietnam Era Educational Center in Holmdel.

The Rev. Peter D. Fordi was one of the 28 individuals who, on Sunday, Aug. 22, 1971, attempted to remove and destroy files from the draft board office in Camden. The group was arrested by the FBI and labeled The Camden 28 by the government. The Camden 28 was made up of four Catholic priests, a Lutheran minister and 23 other individuals. The anti-war group went on trial, pleaded guilty and represented themselves throughout the three and a half months in court.

In spite of admitting to breaking and entering, the self-proclaimed “America’s Conscience” all were found not guilty. The court case was the first legal victory for the anti-war movement.

“The Camden 28” captures the story of the men and women who risked arrest to protest the Vietnam War and their perspectives 35 years later.