Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Beck Urges 'Restoring Honor' Rally to Turn Back to God VOA News 28 August 2010 Glenn Beck waves as he arrives to speak at his 'Restoring Honor' rally in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, 28 Aug 2010 Photo: AP Glenn Beck waves as he arrives to speak at his 'Restoring Honor' rally in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, 28 Aug 2010 American conservative commentator Glenn Beck has encouraged supporters at his rally in Washington to turn back to God and restore honor to the country. Tens of thousands of people are crowded around the memorial that honors U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, watching and listening to speakers at the so-called "Restoring Honor" event. The rally is focused on paying tribute to American military personnel. Beck encouraged attendees to pick up their phones and text donations to a Florida-based nonprofit group, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which organizers say will receive all contributions from the rally, after expenses are paid. Former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin also addressed the crowd. She said she came to speak not as a politician but as the mother of a soldier. She called on the crowd to invoke the moral courage of American leaders such as President Lincoln and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. to restore America and make this day "the change point" for the country. Civil rights activists and other critics have questioned Beck's motives for holding the rally on the 47th anniversary of King's "I have a Dream" speech, and at the same location. Beck insists the timing is coincidental, but has called it "divine providence."  People waved American flags and cheered as Beck, Palin and others spoke. The rally, expected to draw Republicans and supporters of the conservative Tea Party movement, has stirred controversy, although Beck says the gathering is not political. He focused on the need to restore what he called the key American principles of faith, hope and charity. The conservative radio and Fox News television host is known for expressing polarizing viewpoints. Last year, he called U.S. President Barack Obama a "racist," accusing him of having a "deep-seated hatred for white people." Although rally organizers have advised attendees not to bring signs or political paraphernalia, some participants could be seen waving flags popular at Tea Party rallies. Signs at some Tea Party events have included pictures of Mr. Obama with a Hitler-style mustache, along with racial slurs and threats to Democratic officials. A blog by a Tea Party supporter angered Washington officials this week after warning rally participants to avoid certain neighborhoods and subway lines in Washington that the blogger deemed unsafe. Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. .