A rally held by conservative television personality Glenn Beck at the base of the Lincoln Memorial Saturday drew tens of thousands to the National Mall.
Entitled “Restoring Honor,” the gathering was ostensibly about paying tribute to members of the armed services, but at times also took on the characteristics of a fundraiser, an awards ceremony and a religious revival.
“America today begins to turn back to God,” Beck, who hosts an eponymous program on Fox News, told attendants in lengthy remarks that touched heavily upon faith.
The rally also included an appearance from former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who although a political personality, followed an agreement made by the speakers to keep their speeches nonpartisan.
“I’ve been asked to speak today, not as a politician,” Palin said. “I’ve been asked to speak as the mother of a soldier, and I am proud of that distinction.”
While not delving into specifics, the 2008 Republican Vice Presidential candidate explained that America needs to be restored and not transformed “as some would want.”
Despite the pledge, Saturday was not completely apolitical. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), another high-profile conservative woman, invoked politics in a separate rally just blocks from the Memorial. As Restoring Honor drew to a close, the Minnesota Republican promoted the Congressional Tea Party caucus, and read a list of the House members who have already signed up.
Shortly after both rallies completed and with thousands of Restoring Honor attendants still in the area, a march led by civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton made its way across the Mall and down to the construction site of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial along the Tidal Basin. While the march was described by organizers as a show of support for improvements within the education system, it also seemed to be an outlet for many frustrated by Glenn Beck’s decision to hold his rally on the anniversary and at the location of King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” address.
When asked by TRNS if he believed Beck’s scheduling decision was purposeful, one march attendant identified as Patrick from New York replied “absolutely.”
“It’s no accident. He knows what he’s doing,” Patrick said. “We know what he’s up to, but we’re not going to be disturbed.”