Obama Pays Respects as Dallas Mourns Fallen Police Officers

DALLAS -- The country's eyes are on the Dallas Police Department again as the city hosts a memorial service for the five officers who were gunned down by a sniper last Thursday. 

President Barack Obama returned early from an overseas trip to participate in Tuesday's interfaith memorial service at Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. The visit came at the invitation of Mayor Mike Rawlings. 

Vice President Joe Biden, former President George W. Bush and his wife, former First Lady Laura Bush, will also be in attendance. 

The emotional service follows days of tributes and vigils across downtown Dallas. 

Just last night, thousands stood outside City Hall for a candlelight vigil. And the memorial continues to grow outside police headquarters.

The president's visit here Tuesday also provided an opportunity for him to meet one-on-one with the families of the five fallen officers. 

In his speech, Obama once again highlights the recommendations of his task force for 21st century policing. It's a group he formed following previous violent outbreaks in other cities in over the years. 

In fact, some of the recommendations of that task force are being implemented in community policing efforts right here in Dallas. 

The president said he would like to see all sides come together to address the tensions.