CLEVELAND, Ohio — More than 2,000 people stood behind Barbara Owens as she silently kissed her son's name that is etched into a memorial for slain police officers.

Owens — whose son Derrick was a Cleveland police officer when he was killed chasing drug dealers on March 1, 2008 — was among the some 2,500 people who showed up Saturday at the Sea of Blue rally to support police.

"We're thankful to see all the people that came out," said Derrick Owens' father, Wayne. "I know they're not all out here for my son, but I personalize it. It feels good."

The rally on Saturday was organized to contrast nationwide unrest over fatal police shootings, including the Nov. 22 shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice at Cudell Recreation Center by a rookie Cleveland police officer.

People wearing blue to support the police enveloped Public Square on Saturday. The group silently marched to the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial across on Lakeside Boulevard and West 3rd Street.

Some carried signs that said "All lives matter" and "Police lives matter."

About 20 members of the group CLEdemands formed a counter-protest across the street from the Sea of Blue rally.

"It's a love campaign," said protester Dylan Sellers. "We're here because of the lives lost in the struggle. This is a silent march. We're not engaging the other group."

Three family members of slain police officers spoke at the event, including the fiancée of Akron police officer Justin Winebrenner, who was fatally shot on Nov. 16 while shoving a gunman from a bar as the man fired shots. The couple was supposed to marry in June.

"I was next to him" when he was shot, Tiffany Miller said. "He saved my life, among many others, on that dreadful night."

Miller said she felt guilt and grief over Winebrenner's death.

"But today I feel a different emotion," she said. "Today I feel proud."

Two other speakers— Nick Gresko and Pat McLaughlin— both said they were happy about the number of people who showed up to support police.

Gresko's brother, Jason Gresko, died Sept. 21, 2012, after a drunken driver smashed into his police cruiser as he responded to a call.

McLaughlin's son, Robert J. Clark II, was fatally shot investigating drug deals in Cleveland on July 2, 1998.

"I think it's wonderful that people came out to support the police and that they know the police are out there trying to protect them," McLaughlin said. "I'm glad they are standing behind them strong."

Former assistant Cuyahoga County prosecutor Mary A. Lentz, her brother, former Cleveland Heights Police Chief Martin Lentz, and current Cleveland Lt. Edward P. Lentz, participated in the rally and march.

The group gathered around the memorial for their father and grandfather Edward G. Lentz, who was fatally shot while on duty on Dec. 9, 1957.

"What we saw here today is the strength and resolve that we have," said Edward P. Lentz. "There was no violence, just silence, standing together for everyone as we do every night."