La Quinta to host 5th annual Hunter Lopez lightsaber vigil

The parents of fallen Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez are inviting the community to come together Wednesday night to honor their son and other service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The fifth annual Hunter Lopez Lightsaber Vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, at the La Quinta Civic Center Campus on Calle Tampico.

Lopez was a Coachella Valley resident and a passionate Star Wars fan. He was among 13 U.S. service members killed during a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport on August 26, 2021, during the evacuation from Afghanistan.

The Lightsaber Vigil has become an annual La Quinta tradition, with the lightsabers creating a powerful visual tribute to Lopez and his fellow service members.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lightsabers to join in the tribute.

This year, Lopez's parents are also asking community members to bring photos of loved ones who served in the military or as first responders. The photos will help create a broader tribute to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities and country.

Mayor Linda Evans, members of the La Quinta City Council and community leaders are expected to attend the vigil.

The family has also set up a memorial foundation to help those who protect and serve our nation.

The event is open to the community and will take place at the La Quinta Civic Center Campus, at 78495 Calle Tampico.

Event Details

What: Fifth Annual Hunter Lopez Lightsaber Vigil
When: Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Campus, 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253
What to bring: A lightsaber, if you have one, and a photo of a loved one who served in the military or as a first responder.