Concerns, Critiques Over George W. Bush's Behavior At Slain Dallas Officers' Memorial: VIDEO

Dallas, TX — Social media is abuzz over the dance-like reaction of former president and Texas governor George W. Bush to hearing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" sung by a choir at a Tuesday memorial for five slain officers in Dallas.

As choir members led the those gathered in song to end the service, Bush, 70, exuberantly swayed to the rendition of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" while smiling and singing along. At the time, Bush had joined hands with his wife, Laura Bush, and the current First Lady Michelle Obama as a member of the dais.

Reactions to his rhythmic display have run the gamut, from some people wondering if the former president was intoxicated to others simply deeming his behavior inappropriate given the solemn nature of the occasion.

By Wednesday, talk on social media had grown to the point where it prompted a response by a Bush supporter, who said Bush simply was moved by the ceremony and reacted joyfully to the hopeful nature of the patriotic song at ceremony's end.

"I would encourage any and all cynics looking for something to criticize to find a different subject than a memorial for fallen peace officers, and to watch more than just the clip of President Bush swaying to the music at the end of the ceremony," Freddy Ford wrote in a statement. "I commend to them video of the entire memorial and President Bush's speech, which I'll forward under separate cover."

Prior to his spontaneous swaying, Bush spoke eloquently about the killing of five Dallas officers at the hands of a gunman last week.

"Most of us imagine if the moment called for, that we would risk our lives to protect a spouse or a child," Bush said in his remarks during a ceremony where President Obama also addressed the gathering. "Those wearing the uniform assume that risk for the safety of strangers. They and their families share the unspoken knowledge that each new day can bring new dangers."

But then, there was that swaying display, critics note. In a video posted as part of the media pool coverage of the event, both Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Obama are seen turning to the former president quizzically.

The supporter insists it was merely a visceral reaction to the potent lyrics of a patriotic hymn.

"I hope they can open their hearts to the history and text of 'Battle Hymn of the Republic,' the finale song that moved him so," Ford wrote in response to critics. "Yesterday's memorial was a somber ceremony about moving forward together as a united nation. The 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' was selected to conclude the memorial because it is a joyful, spiritual, triumphant song. The words are 'Glory, glory Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.' So must our country."

The former president lives in Crawford, Texas, just outside of Dallas.