Conservative commentator Glenn Beck told hundreds of thousands of activists gathered at the base of the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday that he is sending Americans a faith-based wake-up call because “darkness is growing” in the country.
“America today begins to turn back to God,” Beck said, his voice magnified by dozens of speakers and Jumbo-trons scattered between Lincoln and the Washington Monument. “For too long this country has wandered in darkness.”
The massive crowd whistled and cheered as Beck demanded the country restore traditional family values, honor soldiers instead of celebrities and preach faith in God.
But it was when Sarah Palin joined Beck on stage, that the crowd erupted — screaming, cheering and chanting for the former Alaska governor who has become an icon for the Tea Party movement and a lightning rod for liberal critics.
“We must not fundamentally change America as some would want,” Palin said. “No, we must restore America and restore her honor … May this day be the change point.”
The pair spoke to a throng that densely packed the area between the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial, with additional thousands stretching back to the Washington Monument. The U.S. Park Police declined to estimate the size of the gathering. Beck said he was told between 300,000 and 500,000 attended, but didn’t cite his source. Photographic comparisons to past events suggested a crowd well into six figures.
Red, white and blue color combinations dominated the attire of attendees. Patriotic t-shirts and costumes were common, along with American flags of every size. Attendees were asked not to bring signs, but vendors did a brisk business in “Don’t Tread on Me” flags.
There were no incidents of violence reported to police. D.C. Fire and EMS treated more than 60 people for heat-related illnesses, an official said.
During her speech, Palin steered clear of politics.
“I’ve been asked to speak as the mother of a soldier and I am proud of that distinction,” she said. “Say what you want to say about me, but I raised a combat vet and you can’t take that away from me.” It was a reference to her son, Track, 20, who served in Iraq.
“Our faith has driven us to become the greatest people the world has ever known,” Beck said. “This has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with God.”
The event coincided with the 47th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, also held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Civil rights activists led by the Rev. Al Sharpton protested Beck’s choice of venue and staged a counter march that attracted thousands. But supporting Beck was King’s niece, Alveda King, who invoked her late uncle’s most famous words in an address to the crowd. “I too have a dream,” she said. “I have a dream that …people of every ethnic blend will receive everyone as brothers and sisters in the love of God.”
Rally attendee Tom Norris of Sumter, S.C. said Beck’s event might signal the beginnings of a “turning point” for conservatives. Norris said he traveled to Washington with nine buses carrying roughly 500 Beck supporters and members of the Tea Party Movement.
To Jane Tomczak, who traveled to Washington from San Diego, the rally was about restoring the American Dream.
“America is mankind’s last great hope,” said Tomczak, who immigrated to the U.S. from England 28 years ago. “When I came here it was a dream country. Everything was possible.”
Noteworthy Washington rallies
» March 3, 1913 – Hostile crowds jeer 5,000 women and their supporters as they march in support of women’s voting rights. Scores of the marchers are injured.
» June 17, 1932 – Some 20,000 World War I veterans march on Washington to ask for advance payment of bonuses promised for their war service. Many are wounded and several killed when violence erupts.
» August 28, 1963 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gives his “I Have A Dream” speech before a crowd of 250,0000 during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
» November 15, 1969 – The Vietnam Moratorium march, organized by the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam draws 600,000 demonstrators
» October 16, 1995 – Between 400,000 and 800,000 attend the Million Man March organized to inspire black men to improve themselves and their family/community relationsips.
