There was a huge support across the Inland Empire Tuesday evening for fallen Marine Lance Corporal Dylan Merola. Merola’s body was flown into Ontario airport. A procession went from the airport through Ontario, up to Rancho Cucamonga past Los Osos High School and out the 210 freeway eventually ending in Covina at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Merola was one of 13 service members killed in an August attack just days before all military operations shut down in the area. Hundreds lined streets and overpasses waving flags. Several dozen law enforcement agencies participated in the procession. Firefighters stood atop fire trucks saluting the procession as it went by. In Upland, the local high school band played bagpipes.
A public ceremony will be held for Merola on Sunday at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
