La Quinta and Indio to host remembrance events in honor of Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez
On Aug. 26, 2021, local Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez was among 13 U.S. servicemembers killed during a suicide bombing attack at the Kabul Airport during evacuations in Afghanistan.
Watch: Marine Cpl Hunter Lopez’s parents share his story
Monday will mark three years since the attack.
Two Coachella Valley cities will be hosting events to remember and honor Lopez.
At 5:30 a.m., the third annual Hunter Lopez Memorial Run will be held. It's set to start at Jefferson Street and Avenue 39, the Shadow Hills High School track in Indio.
Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue.
At 7:00 p.m., the city of La Quinta is set to host its annual lightsaber vigil in his honor. Lopez, a La Quinta resident, was a passionate Star Wars fan.
All attendees are encouraged to bring lightsabers to create a powerful and visual display of support
The event will take place at Civic Center campus on Washington Street and Calle Tampico.
Both events will involve the Hunter Lopez Foundation, a nonprofit created by Hunter's family to help those who protect and serve our nation.
To donate visit: https://hunterlopezmemorialfoundation.org/
The foundation has already sponsored service dogs for active service members and sponsored several families to attend their children's graduation from Marine boot camp.
The foundation also created a scholarship fund established in Hunter's name for students at LQHS who pursue careers in public service.
To donate, visit: https://desert-sands-educational-foundation.snwbll.com/hunter-lopez-memorial-scholarship-fund
Check out some of our coverage of Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez over the past three years:
- Parents of fallen Marine Hunter Lopez honor son at 2024 Republican National Convention
- Family of fallen Marine Corp. Hunter Lopez seeks accountability on his death during Kabul evacuations
- Dallas Cowboys player to honor Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation at Thursday Night’s NFL Football game
- ‘A great honor’ Indio proclaims ‘Hunter Lopez Day’ Aug.26 in honor of fallen Marine
- Community gathers to honor Cpl Hunter Lopez and 12 servicemembers killed one year ago
- ‘Land of the free because of the brave’: Coachella Valley procession honors fallen Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez
- Tributes continue in memory of fallen Marine and Coachella Valley resident Hunter Lopez
- ‘We’re not mourning alone:’ Cpl. Hunter Lopez’s family receives community support at Indio candlelight vigil
- ‘I’m just going to bring him along with every footstep that I take.’ Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez’s brother opens up about sibling’s life and final moments
- Fourth grade class honors fallen Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez with cards for family
- La Quinta volleyball team honors Cpl. Hunter Lopez and family prior to first league game
- City of Indio honors fallen Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez with memorial at city hall
- Hunter Lopez Memorial Scholarship Fund established to honor fallen Marine, aid students pursuing public service
- Fallen Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez honored at La Quinta childhood schools
- Hunter Lopez, U.S. marine killed in Afghanistan bombing, honored at La Quinta High football game
- Honoring Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez: Public viewing in La Quinta
- Local car show raises funds for Hunter Lopez Scholarship and Save a Warrior Foundation
