La Quinta to host fifth annual Hunter Lopez lightsaber vigil
The community will gather Wednesday evening in La Quinta for the fifth annual Hunter Lopez Lightsaber Vigil, a special ceremony honoring the life and legacy of U.S. Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez and the service members who lost their lives in the August 2021 attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The vigil will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, at the La Quinta Civic Center Campus, 78495 Calle Tampico. The event is open to community members who wish to come together in remembrance and show their support for military families and those who have made sacrifices in service to others.
Lopez, a Coachella Valley resident and devoted Star Wars fan, is remembered each year through the unique lightsaber vigil. The lightsabers serve as a visual symbol of remembrance, unity and appreciation for his service and the sacrifices of his fellow service members.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lightsabers and join in the tribute to Lopez and the other fallen service members.
This year's gathering will also provide an opportunity to honor local heroes beyond those remembered at the original vigil. Lopez's parents have invited community members to bring photos of loved ones who served in the military or as first responders. Those photographs will help create a broader tribute recognizing the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities and country.
The City of La Quinta has described the vigil as a time for the community to reflect on the courage, dedication and ultimate sacrifice of those who served. Mayor Linda Evans, members of the La Quinta City Council and community leaders are expected to attend.
Hunter Lopez was among the 13 U.S. service members killed in the August 26, 2021 attack during the evacuation from Afghanistan. His connection to the Star Wars community inspired the distinctive lightsaber tribute that has become an annual La Quinta tradition.
Since its inception, the vigil has offered residents a meaningful way to remember Lopez and his fellow service members while also coming together as a community.
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.
