Cpl. Hunter Lopez to arrive at Coachella Valley on Thursday: here’s how to attend processions and services



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Corporal Hunter Lopez is expected to be flown back to his family in the Coachella Valley and buried this week.

The 22-year-old native was killed in the terrorist attack at Kabul airport in Afghanistan.

THURSDAY

People are invited Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to line the sidewalks for a procession from Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Cathedral City, past the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station and ending at St. Francis Church in La Quinta.

The route of the Thursday procession

FRIDAY

Starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, another procession will lead Lopez past the three unified Desert Sands schools he attended before becoming a Sailor: Amelia Earhart Elementary School, John Glenn Middle School and School secondary La Quinta.

Route of the Friday procession

“The character of this young man just shines,” said Todd Biggert, principal of John Glenn Middle School. “I’m proud to know he was a Red Hawk and I’m proud to be a Marine with him.”

Biggert said his students were preparing to pay their respects as the procession passed on Friday. “We have 1,100 students who are going to line up in this entryway as they enter,” he said. “They have flags; teachers will wear (matching commemorative shirts).”

La Quinta High School principal Dr Rudy Wilson said his students were hit hard by the loss. Lopez’s sister, Trinity, is now elderly there.

“It was tough,” Wilson said. “We have no shortage of students who would like to show their respect and appreciation for Hunter and his family.”

In a La Quinta High School volleyball game on Tuesday, the team paid tribute to the Lopez family. Parents Herman and Alicia were in attendance – Trinity Lopez is part of the team.

La Quinta Mayor Linda Eans said the procession was planned by Lopez’s family and will be important for their healing and that of the community.

“Being able to provide perhaps a fence for the students who knew him or who know his brother and sister, it will be very special, not only for all the teachers who can participate, but for the students who are there on campus. , “said Evans.

After the procession in front of the schools on Friday, Lopez will return to Saint-François at La Quinta where the public can attend a screening.

SATURDAY

A memorial service will be held Saturday at the Palm Springs Convention Center at 11 a.m. It is open to the public and large screens will be available to watch the ceremony.

Next, a procession will lead Lopez to Riverside National Cemetery where he will be buried.

Saturday details

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