The Hill News

President Obama, in Tuscon, Ariz., visited recovering Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D) before making remarks at a memorial service for last weekend's shooting victims.

"The president wanted to begin this solemn trip by stopping first at the hospital where Congresswoman Giffords and others continue to recuperate," said White House press secretary Robert Gibbs.

The president is scheduled to give remarks at the service Wednesday night, lasting between 16-18 minutes.

"The president will devote a significant portion of his remarks to the memory of the victims," Gibbs said. "He’ll also reflect on how all of us might best honor their memory in our own lives."