They waved flags and proudly displayed banners to convey their message at Wednesday's "Support Those Who Serve" rally in Manteca.

They did so as part of a peaceful drive-home event co-hosted by the Central Valley Impact Republicans and the Republican Women of California-San Joaquin County.

Special guest was Ted Howze (R-Turlock), who is challenging incumbent Josh Harder for his District 10 Congressional seat.

"It's great having the support of Dr. Howze," said CVIR President David Cushman. "If he can stand with us here, he'll stand for us in Washington,  D.C."

For Howze, who was joined by his son Tynan, the rally was equally important to him.

"We're here to show our support to our law enforcement officers and first responders," he said.

Motorists, in turn, responded by honking their car horns as a show of their support.

That was good enough for Cushman, who is a 2010 graduate of Manteca High.

He and his group are planning a similar-type rally in the coming weeks in Modesto.

The rally -- supporters stood on both eastern corners of the intersection of Airport Way and Daniels Street -- also recognized firefighters and the military, Cushman added.

He's been part of the grassroots effort in recent years. CVIR works to get Republican candidates elected to office in San Joaquin County and Stanislaus County.