ST. LOUIS — Police will be on heightened alert this weekend as white supremacists from around the country gather here for a rally and convention.

The National Socialist Movement, which bills itself as "America's Nazi Party," will hold a rally from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday under the Gateway Arch.

Starting at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, a collection of clergy and human rights associations intend to hold a response rally in Forest Park.

The National Socialists are considered the largest neo-Nazi organization in the country. The group also plans to hold a conference, commemorating the 35th anniversary of its founding, at an undisclosed location in the St. Louis area.

Steven Boswell, the group's Missouri leader, said he doesn't expect any altercations. "We always expect a peaceful rally," he said. "We ourselves are peaceful."

Opponents of the group also discourage confronting the Nazi group face to face.

A police department spokesperson said the same unit that handles Mardi Gras and other events is planning security for the neo-Nazi rally. For safety reasons, the department is not releasing details of its plans.

During the Arch rally, the Anti-Defamation League will, weather permitting, host a unity event with other groups on Art Hill in Forest Park.

The National Socialists subscribe to an anti-immigrant, anti-Semitic ideology. They have been active in the Midwest, particularly in Missouri. Recently, the group "adopted" a stretch of highway in Springfield, Mo., as part of the state's litter cleanup program.

In 2007, several on-lookers were arrested amid skirmishes with the group at a march in Columbia, Mo. Last year, the city denied the party a parade permit because police could not handle the march and a University of Missouri football game scheduled on the same day.

(stltoday.com)