The interfaith memorial service for the five fallen Dallas police officers was not open to the public. But there was a chance for folks to watch together on a big screen at Klyde Warren Park, and the distance did not dilute the message.
They came to sit next to a stranger.
"The word solidarity comes to mind," said Ebony Cooksey.
Neighbors gathered to listen to the big conversation, led by President Barack Obama, and to start their own smaller ones.
"I learn from them every day about their culture," said Timmy Martin.
He and Cooksey are teachers together at Dallas’ W.H. Adamson High School. Already they're planning what to say to their students this fall about race, trust and how to heal by example.
"One of the most important things you can do when you care about something is to show up,” said Martin. “This is something that's important to me."
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"We thought it would be a good idea to get as close as possible to show our support for those who lost their lives and the families who are grieving today," Cooksey added.
Though they can't say it in person, their presence sent a message to five grieving families.
"We're all coming together, healing together," said Carole Barnes.
Dallas is with you.
"It's heartbreaking for me and the community,” said Christopher Gilliam. “So it's very warming to see everybody to come together and have this memorial for these guys because they so rightly deserve it."
