Slideshow: Glenn Beck rally, MLK march and AFP Conference

Beck gestures toward a flag on stage while speaking. Event organizers had asked attendees to refrain from bringing political signs, a guideline that was generally followed. But flags and flag paraphernalia were widespread throughout the crowd.

Glenn Beck addresses the crowd from the Lincoln Memorial. Attendees filled the space on the steps behind the stage, and the crowd reached back to the Washington Monument.

Former Republican vice presidential candidate and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin addresses the rally crowd. Fitting the nonpolitical goal of the event, Palin spoke as the mother of a veteran.

At the beginning of the rally, Beck brought out a diverse group of religious leaders. A preacher (far right) led the opening invocation for rally, here joined by two Native Americans and a rabbi. The language of the invocation was strictly Christian.

Dr. Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, addresses the crowd at the Restoring Honor rally. The event took place on the 47th anniversary of MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech. Many criticized Beck for holding his rally on that date. King, an anti-abortion activist, spoke at the rally to defend the timing of Beck's event.

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols accepted a "Purple Heart" award at the "Restoring Honor" rally. Beck decided to restyle the medals for noteworthy civilians. Pujols received the charity award for his off-the-field efforts. Accepting the award, he said, "Twelve years ago, I made the best decision of my life, and that was following Jesus Christ."

During Glenn Beck's main speech, supporters sitting close to the arches of the Lincoln Memorial held aloft a flag.

Tea party protests have become known for eye-catching signs and individuals wearing unique costumes. At Saturday's event there were few signs in the crowd, and only a few individuals decided to come in colonial garb.

A group of "Restoring Honor" attendees show their home state pride.

The crowd watching Beck's event stretched all the way out toward the Washington Monument.

People sit on the steps of the World War II Memorial, watching the event across from the pool.

More attendees gathered at the World War II Memorial. There were screens and loudspeakers set up along the Mall so all could see and hear.

People bow their heads and raise their hands to the sky as a preacher gives the opening invocation.

Attendees put their hands over their hearts for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Immediately after the conclusion of the "Restoring Honor" rally, Rep. Michele Bachmann hosted a tea party town hall meeting on the other side of the Washington Monument. She brought other members of the Tea Party caucus and Tea Party activists on stage to speak at the hour-long event. Around 1,000 people showed up for the post-rally town hall.

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) spoke at Bachmann's town hall event. Gohmert gained increased national attention earlier this month when he appeared on CNN to defend his statements on "terror babies."

Rev. Al Sharpton organized a counter-march to honor the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech. The march went to the future site of a MLK statue. The parade marched past the Washington Monument shortly after Bachmann's town hall ended.

A man stops in the middle of the street to wave a "Justice" flag during the MLK march.

Groups march down 15th St. NW, near the Washington Monument, to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech.

David Koch addresses the crowd during the "Defending the American Dream" conference held in Washington on Friday. Along with his brother Charles, Koch is one of the primary funders of Americans for Prosperity, an organization that has been instrumental in organizing the tea party movement.

The ballroom crowd during dinner at the Defending the American Dream convention.

Washington Post columnist George Will accepts AFP's highest award from Koch during the Tribute to Ronald Reagan dinner.

Though Koch spoke briefly at the event, it was AFP President Tim Phillips who served as the face of the organization during the day's proceedings. He addressed the full ballroom multiple times during the day, and took part in breakout panels.

A "November is Coming" Smart Car sat outside the hotel where the AFP conference took place. November is Coming is AFP's campaign operation, coordinating money and political organizing in favor of "free-market" candidates for the upcoming midterm elections.