The Marines who lost their lives from the bombing attack on Kabul, Afghanistan were remembered by the communities in Southern California.
All of the three Marines, aged 22 and below, were from the Inland Empire. Another casualty was from Orange County.
To pay tribute, there were some locals who arrived at the veterans memorial where the flag was placed in half-staff and people came to bring flags and flowers.
Included in the casualties were 20-year-old Kareem Nikuo of Norco; 22-year-old Hunter Lopez of La Quinta; and 20-year-old Dylan Merola of Rancho Cucamonga – all from Inland Empire Marines.
31-year-old Marine Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover was also included in the deaths from the attack. Hoover has resided in Aliso Viejo and has served in the Marines for 11 years.
“Our hearts are with the parents out there and the families,” a woman who visited the Norco memorial said. “We just pray for you.”
One veteran who also came to pay tribute said his heart aches for the three young Marines from the Inland Empire considering their young age, ABC7 reported.
“It’s real sad what happened. …. They weren’t even born yet when I got out of the Marines. Even though I never met them, they’re all my brothers and sisters.”
Multiple funds have been launched to help the victims’ families.
