Written by Dr. Edward T. Holliday Photos courtesy of O.P. Ditch, USAF Veteran On August 28, I was in Washington D.C. participating along with thousands of Americans summoned by Glenn Beck of Fox News Channel to the Restoring Honor Rally held at the Lincoln Memorial.  My personal estimation is that there were likely 900,000 to 1,000,000 patriotic people present, especially when you count the hundreds who came but left because of the large crowd.                  Restoring Honor Rally at the Lincoln Memorial Thousands gather to honor the U.S. Military It was indeed an honor and a privilege to be on stage when Dr. Alveda King spoke as she honored her uncle on the 47th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s world-changing “I Have a Dream” speech. Alveda had asked me to travel to Washington, D.C. and stand with her as she spoke. Because I was a part of Alveda’s group I was allowed access to the “green room” where the participants (except Governor Sarah Palin who was at a different location) waited in an air-conditioned tent. I was disappointed that Sarah was not in our tent, but my eyes were fixated on the monitors as she addressed the crowd, not as a politician, but as the mother of a soldier. Sarah’s speech had the multitudes gathered at the Reflection Pool cheering and clapping with thunderous applause, and there was also excited applause coming from those of us waiting inside the tent. She was exceptionally marvelous as she brought honor to our men and women in uniform.  Gov. Sarah Palin takes the stage I was not nervous about being in front of more than half a million people or thinking about the millions watching by television and internet. I was not even nervous when Alveda told me backstage, “Now Ed, when we are singing out there today, I want you to 'release your spirit'."  I guess she knew I was Southern Baptist and might be a little stiff.  Admittedly, I have been known to clap off-beat on occasion. Dr. Ed Holliday (third from right) stands with Dr. Alveda King and guests As Alveda and I with her other friends and singers descended the steps to join her on stage, the thought hit me: I am going to be the only white person with ten black Americans on stage before the nation. I was thinking that the entire audience was going to be saying inside their heads: Does this white man have any rhythm? With those thoughts running through my mind as we assembled on stage, I did get nervous. Then when I noticed that Alveda’s two special singers were not behind the podium as I thought that they would be, but directly beside me I thought: Oh, no, when I am clapping my hands I cannot be offbeat.  As the music started I noticed in my right eye’s peripheral vision Pastor Hoye’s (I stood beside his wife) outstretched hands keeping a steady and firm beat. It was then that I noticed a steady and perfect beat from my left eye’s peripheral vision by an audience member on the front row. That person was Sarah Palin. Sarah has rhythm and soul. I watched her inconspicuously lift her hand (not her arm) in praise. She inspired me to lift my arm and hand in praise and even give my arm a little back-and-forth wave. Suddenly the crowd began waving their arms back and forth in the air causing a ripple effect throughout the masses. Gov. Sarah Palin, proud mom of U.S Army combat vet, Track Palin Following the lead of "Sister Sarah" and "Brother Walter", I think I did pretty good keeping time with the music. So thank you Sarah Palin for helping me fulfill Alveda's request to “release my spirit” during worship. At the end of the event the 240 Black Robe Brigade and others came up for the final song. Tears rolled down as I thought of Dr. King’s dream of one day when, “Black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics,” would stand together and sing. I followed my leader (Dr. Robert Smith, an African American pastor from Little Rock, Arkansas) up on to the stage to our final position. I turned to discover that I was on the second row right smack in the middle and just behind Glenn Beck. As the bagpipes were playing “Amazing Grace”, Alveda King and Sarah Palin were brought into place right in front of me. I could not have planned this moment better myself in a million years.  God surely had His hand of blessing on me this day.   Gov. Sarah Palin, Dr. Alveda King and friends bowing their heads in reverence to God During Vietnam Veteran Dave Roever’s ending prayer as he called for a welcoming home of all Vietnam Veterans, applause broke out in the crowd. I opened my eyes as I was looking down and the first thing I saw was Sarah Palin’s French-manicured toe nails which perfectly complimented her high heeled shoes. She is as beautiful in person as she is on television. After Dave's prayer I was thinking that if ZZ Top were to write a song called Sharp Dressed Woman, the star of that song would be Sarah Palin. I did get to meet Sarah immediately after the rally for a brief moment. She was as gracious as she was beautiful, and I believe the reason she glows with steadfast confidence is because she has a heart of gold and a desire to serve God Almighty. As Glenn Beck was dismissing the crowd asking them to share the day’s message of honor and restoration, everyone on stage seemed to move toward Sarah.  I witnessed first-hand her grace as she signed autographs and smiled for photos. I even took a few pictures for people as they stood beside her. She never faltered in being polite, gracious, and always she was beautiful, in control, and looked very (dare I say it?) presidential.  Okay. I said it.  Maybe I am getting carried away here, but she does have “that certain something” lacking from other leaders. Gov. Sarah Palin warmly greets guests Sarah even listened with interest as my friend, Mississippi Republican Congressional candidate, Bill Marcy, invited her to Mississippi and requested her help with his commonsense conservative election campaign. Sarah kindly and graciously gave him her contact information. But God popped my pride of finally meeting Sarah because when I put my arm around her shoulder for a photo, I told the person taking the picture the wrong button to push on my video camera. I wanted to kick myself when I got back to the hotel and discovered I did not have the picture of me with Sarah, but after a day like this, how could I be disappointed? I decided to celebrate the victories and not concentrate on the bungled photo op with Sarah. Now people will just have to take my word for it. But I do have the memory. Gov. Sarah Palin speaking the truth with boldness Thank you Sarah for the hope, love, and charity you have brought to America. Thank you for inspiring so many men and women and children across our great nation. God bless you and your family.  Indeed America, God has shed his grace on thee. ____________________________________________________________________ The People for Palin graciously thanks Dr. Ed Holliday, author of Walk With Me, A Patriot's Guide from the Boston Tea Party to Sharing Today's TEA Party Revolution,  for sharing his thoughts on meeting Gov. Sarah Palin at the Restoring Honor Rally as a guest of Dr. Alveda King.  Dr. Holliday extends a personal invitation for you to join him each Monday for Doc Holliday's Tea Party. Doc Holliday’s Tea Party with Dr. Ed Holliday Dr. Holliday is the author of Walk with Me: A Patriot’s Guide from the Boston Tea Party to Sharing Today’s Tea Party Revolution and The 21st Century Great Awakening. He is a leader in “Mission Mississippi”, a statewide Christian organization that seeks unity across racial and denominational lines. He has worked with the Coalition of African American Pastors (CAAP) and has supported key conservative values on the local, state, and national levels. He actively works for racial reconciliation and pursues community excellence. Dr. Holliday is in many professional and Christian organizations and enjoys speaking, writing and working to promote conservative values. He is very active in his community where he is the volunteer director of dental services for the Good Samaritan Free Clinic and is co-chair of the local chapter of Mission Mississippi. He attends Harrisburg Baptist Church in Tupelo and serves in several ministries and on several boards that contribute to make his community a better place for all people. Dr. Holliday graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1983 and its School of Dentistry in 1987. He currently practices general dentistry in Tupelo, Mississippi. His wife, Leslie, and he have four children, ages 12, 9, 7, and 5. Although he has not been able to document direct kinship to the original dentist called Doc Holliday, this Doc Holliday does like shooting from the hip—with words. Special thanks to O.P. Ditch of Vets4Sarah for sharing his personal photos of the Restoring Honor Rally to highlight this article.  Our country will forever be grateful to you, O.P., as well as to all the brave men and women in uniform whose selfless service to our country keep it possible for us to assemble in peace.  God bless you, Sir.

  “Great to be in the hometown of Elvis Presley-- Tupelo, Mississippi!  I went out jogging this morning… as I’m running down the street seeing all those guitars [street art] and signs of Elvis Presley, I thought well it’s a good thing in honor of Elvis I got to borrow my daughter Bristol’s blue suede shoes!” Elvis Presley may be Tupelo’s favorite son, but after Governor Sarah Palin took the stage sporting blue suede shoes before a crowd of more than 8,000 cheering supporters, there’s no doubt she’s Tupelo’s favorite daughter. Governor Palin was in Tupelo as the keynote speaker for the Extraordinary Women’s Conference on Saturday, October 22, 2011. The former vice-presidential candidate spoke of Mississippi’s native land and waters being a crossroads in America, making the point that America is now at a crossroads: “I believe that God has shed His grace on thee, America, and I don’t want us to sit back and squander what it is that He has blessed us with… our forefathers and our foremothers fought and died to protect our freedoms today. I do not believe that we shall fulfill our destiny as a nation that puts its trust in God if we sit back and watch some fundamental transformation of our country, turning it in to something that we don’t recognize.  We don’t need a fundamental transformation of America, we need a fundamental restoration of America!” Governor Palin then spoke of her own personal challenges and crossroads, specifically about callus criticism of her son, Trig, who was born with Down Syndrome almost four years ago: “Look, when society wants to eliminate their weakest links, as some would refer to the disabled or the very old… when society destroys them, it also destroy any ability or need for compassion, for tenderness, for empathy, even for goodwill, and those are the very best parts of humanity and the characteristics of a country that can embrace and know and share true hope comes from people like Trig… Trig is the best thing that has ever happened to our family.” “America is indeed the last best hope of man on earth”, she told the audience, explaining that  “some people are waiting on a superman or a superwoman to come in and fix the problems that we face, but we know that it’s going to be His [God’s] light, and His truth, and His love that makes all the difference. There’s not going to be a politician or a celebrity or a government program that meets the needs of our families and our nation. It’s all about Him and His everlasting hope that He gives us.” Governor Palin closed by encouraging everyone to “get up, get out there, and do good” because America is a shining city on a hill and God has shed His grace on America. Governor Palin receives the Key to the City of Tupelo Before leaving the stage, Governor Palin was presented the Key to the City of Tupelo by Fred Pitts, Tupelo City Council President. Thank you, Governor Palin and Todd, for visiting my home state of Mississippi. Words cannot express my gratitude for your graciousness and words of encouragement to me and my state. Like you said, Governor, there are no coincidences, just Divine appointments. God bless you both as you continue on His path to fulfill your destinies.... Missy

     All involved in the Heroic Media Pro-Life event at First Baptist Houston on Tuesday, October 5th reveled in the moment.  Why?  Former Alaska Governor and 2008 Republican Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin was on hand speaking about faith, family, and the miracle of life.  Texas State Senator Dan Patrick had the honor of serving as Master of Ceremonies for the evening which included sitting on a discussion panel with the self-proclaimed 'hockey mom' after her heart-touching testimony touching on all things great about America.  "She was enjoying the event, speaking from the heart and touching all of us", the Senator said of Palin's almost 40 minute speech in front of a sold out crowd.  He also mentioned that, "She spoke from the heart--- no teleprompters".   April Jones of Lake Jackson, Texas was looking forward with great anticipation to seeing the former Alaska Governor in person and recounts the evening: "The first time that I saw Sarah Palin give her speech at the Republican Convention, I knew that she got it, and understands me along with the rest of us conservatives in America.  When I saw that she was coming to Houston for the Heroic Media fundraiser for Pro Life, I wanted to go."  April Jones (right) and friend have a photo op with "Sarah Palin"  (Photo courtesy of April Jones) "Listening to Sarah speak with great compassion from her heart on the sanctity of life was evident to not only me but the rest of the audience.  When I was listening at this event, Sarah was not campaigning or trying to convince us of any political agendas, but just simply sharing from her heart and her experiences.  She was very informative of certain statistics and information about abortion in America that the oposing side does not want the Americans to know. " "She is about people, not about politics.  After the event was over, I walked away wanting to continue to stand up for what is right and not to give in or give up hope.  I walked away a better person."   Governor Sarah Palin speaking from the heart- no teleprompter required   Governor Sarah Palin speaking the truth with boldness at the Heroic Media fundraiser in Houston, TX   Governor Sarah Palin and Texas State Senator Dan Patrick share a few thoughts before the discussion panel gets underway   Texas State Senator Dan Patrick sits on a discussion panel with Governor Sarah Palin   Sarah shares a laugh with a new friend at the October 5th Heroic Media Fundraiser in Houston The People for Palin thanks great American April Jones for sharing her personal story of hearing Governor Palin speak in person at the Heroic Media event at First Baptist Houston. April and many patriots like her are proud to stand alongside Governor Sarah Palin as she speaks the truth with boldness about faith, family, freedom, and the precious miracle of God-given life.   Photos courtesy of Texas State Senator Dan Patrick, unless otherwise noted.

  Who dat? Who dat? Dat be Governor Sarah Palin in the Big Easy where she wowed the crowd at the 2010 Southern Republican Leadership Conference this weekend. The 2008 Republican Vice Presidential nominee lived up to her billing as the main draw as she electrified thousands of supporters with her clarion call for common-sense conservatism and smaller government. “There is no shame in being the party of no if the other side is proposing an idea that violates our values, violates our principals, violates our Constitution.” Governor Palin’s passionate delivery addressed several policy issues and challenged the current administration’s position on the nuclear arms reduction treaty questioning why an enemy like Iran was being “coddled” while a friend like Israel was being “alienated”. She also made the connection between energy and security calling for domestic, reliable and environmentally sound energy to secure freedom for America, and she reminded the audience that, “The party of Lincoln, the party of Reagan is back and we have our eyes wide open going into 2010.” Another hot-button topic Governor Palin discussed was President Obama’s proposal for off-shore drilling that is nothing more than a decoy to attract votes for a larger cap-and-trade energy bill. “I hope the Senate Republicans tell him, ‘You can drill all you want off the shores of Virginia, but you won’t find bi-partisanship down there.’” Characteristic of her personal charm and wit, she held up her left palm on which was written, “Geaux Saints”, declaring that there is nothing wrong with saying to those who oppose, “We win, you lose”, to an eruption of thunderous applause and another standing ovation as Governor Palin praised New Orleans as an inspiring city. She mentioned her last visit to the Crescent City to attend an oil and gas conference, thanking those who had “rebuilt”, “restored” and “revitalized” in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and my thoughts drifted to a passage in her best- selling book, Going Rogue: An American Life, where Governor Palin talked about being in New Orleans when she discovered a new change… a new beginning… a new life on the horizon for the Palin family. It was while attending this conference in late summer 2007 where she learned the Creator was perfectly forming her fifth child, Trig Paxson Van Palin. I noted to myself the significant correlation of that exciting news of new life for the Palins and the exciting anticipation on this visit of a new hope… a new change… a new birth for America with the upcoming 2010 elections this November. As a delegate to the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans, I witnessed Governor Palin’s rousing speech to an audience jazzed with elevated excitement ready to “kick the bums out” in 2010. We must keep the momentum going by taking that same energy and excitement to our neighbors, our friends, our families and to our nation not letting it fade with the conference spotlight because in Governor Palin’s own words, “There’s nothing… that a good old fashioned election can’t fix.” Reload, baby, reload.

  “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever  state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil. 4:11) I confess. More than occasionally I dream of living in a state other than muggy Mississippi.  Okay, so I think about it more than occasionally, and in my search for greener pastures, I came across these tidbits. Mississippi has more than 2 million people, Alaska has approximately 700,000 people. Mississippi is nearly 49,000 square miles while Alaska is a sweeping 663,267 square miles.  In winter, Mississippi is green, Alaska is white. Mississippi borders four other states, Alaska borders none. Mississippi’s highest point is a hilly 807 feet but Alaska’s is a majestic 20,320 feet. Alaska's Kenai River (photo by Rick Small) Mint The Restaurant’s mint julep chicken and waffles is a Mississippi favorite, and while Alaska has no Mint, they do have a Nordstrom’s, my favorite department store for those stuffy-but-work-required business suits. Want to taste Mississippi’s mouth-watering catfish? Going once… going twice… wait, maybe you’d prefer Alaska’s healthy Omega 3-rich King Salmon. Residents of both states enjoy the great outdoors. Mississippians water ski while Alaskans snow ski.  Deer hunting in Mississippi or moose hunting in Alaska… take your pick. Line your pockets with Mississippi “white gold”, cotton.  On second thought, it’d be more profitable to line them with Alaska gold. So what am I driving at?  Here’s the bottom line. Both states have their unique landscapes, local color, and differences… much like people. Governor Sarah Palin has made a life in Alaska. I’ve made a life in Mississippi. We’ve both decided to “bloom where we were planted”, or maybe grow where we landed. No matter, we both have a home, family, friends, and fun things we like to do. We are using our skills, gifts, and talents to make a mark where we live.     Sarah Heath is Warrior #22 Looking to Governor Palin, she made a mark on Wasilla High School as point guard for the Warriors basketball team leading them to their very first state championship. She made a mark on Alaska small business by slaying salmon on Bristol Bay alongside her commercial fisherman husband Todd. When not knee-deep in fish slime, the self-described sports enthusiast was making her mark on the pageant world winning such titles as Miss Wasilla and Miss Alaska Congeniality, all for the sake of scholarship money for college. As a mom, Governor Palin made her mark on the community by getting involved with the PTA at her children’s school. And no one --- and I do mean no one -- can refute the indelible mark she made on the Mat-Su Valley as Wasilla City Councilwoman and Mayor or as the Alaska Oil and Gas Commissioner and Governor of the Last Frontier. Reaching beyond Alaska, Governor Palin splashed her mark across America as the 2008 Republican Vice Presidential nominee. Today she continues to make her mark as a wife, mom, and “Na Na”… a daughter, sister, niece, friend, prayer warrior, caribou-hunter, best-selling author, political analyst, keynote speaker, travelogue star via "Sarah Palin's Alaska", and endorsee of commonsense conservative candidates running for office, to name just a few of her providential “marks”. Sarah Palin was the mayor of Wasilla 1996 - 2002         Governor Palin of the great State of Alaska 2008 Vice Presidential Candidate Palin Are you making a mark where you live? Your circle of influence has eternal ramifications, you know that... right? God is looking for people to stand up and make their mark. He’s waiting for somebody who will be a leader in this hour—someone who’s not just waiting for the door to be opened, but who’s opening the door and pressing through. This is not the time to sit back and just watch what’s happening. Follow Governor Palin's example. It’s time to make your mark!  

   It's finally here!! "The Undefeated" debuts in theatres on Friday, July 15th? Do you have your tickets? Get your tickets to "The Undefeated" http://theundefeated.cinedigm.com/tickets.html ____________________________________________________________________ June 10, 2011 Lights. Camera. You Betcha!  A new documentary film by Stephen K. Bannon illuminates Governor Sarah Palin's political achievements, and possibly her future. "The Undefeated" will hit AMC theaters soon in Dallas, Denver, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Atlanta, Orange County, Phoenix, Houston, Indianapolis and Kansas City. "I haven't seen the final product," Governor Palin wrote on her Facebook and Twitter feeds, "but I sure liked the sneak peek and rough cut." The former GOP Vice Presidential candidate added she was "looking forward to seeing the finished film and really appreciate [director] Steve Bannon sharing it with us all." Visit the official website for the "The Undefeated" and vote to see the film in your area! Follow "The Undefeated" on Facebook and Twitter. ___________________________________________________________________ Editor's Note: When I hear the word "undefeated", the following Bible verses come to mind. Be encouraged Governor Palin. There are more of us than there are of them. Ps 34:7 - The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.Is 41:13 (NIV) - For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.Deu 31:6 (NIV) - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.Ps 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. Jer 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 2 Tim. 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.Ps. 27:1 - The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?2 Cor. 2:14 - Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:37 - Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.GAME ON!!