Rancho Cucamonga High School hosted its annual “Rancho Remembers” event on April 23, bringing together students, veterans, and community members for a day of reflection, storytelling, and gratitude for those who have served the nation.
This year’s ceremony carried added significance as the community honored one of its own — U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Dylan Merola, a Chaffey Joint Union High School District fallen hero whose legacy continues to resonate throughout Rancho Cucamonga.
April 23 also marks what would have been Merola’s 25th birthday, adding a deeply personal element to the day’s remembrance.
Merola, a graduate of Los Osos High School, was among the 13 U.S. service members killed on August 26, 2021, during the suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, while assisting in evacuation efforts. He was 20 years old.
Known by family, friends, and the community as kind, selfless, and committed to helping others, Merola embodied the spirit of service. His sacrifice has become a unifying symbol in the region, inspiring memorials, scholarships, and ongoing acts of service in his name.
Following his passing, his mother, Cheryl Rex, founded the Legends Live Forever Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring fallen heroes while supporting local students and families. The foundation has also helped lead efforts to establish a Gold Star Memorial in Rancho Cucamonga.
“Rancho Remembers,” established in 2007, has grown into one of the region’s most impactful educational events, giving students the opportunity to engage directly with veterans and gain a deeper understanding of military service and sacrifice.
During the event, students, faculty, and veterans reflected not only on history, but on the personal stories behind the uniform — stories like Dylan Merola’s that continue to inspire future generations.
Cheryl Rex, Merola’s mother and founder of Legends Live Forever Foundation, attended the event and shared her reflections.
“It was a true honor to attend an event like Rancho Remembers. To watch students, faculty, and the community come together to honor the sacrifices made in service to our country was incredibly meaningful,” said Rex.
“Dylan was honored through a display of his life story. While many stopped to take photos, the most powerful moments were the conversations with students who simply wanted to know who he was. I spent the morning speaking with young people who genuinely cared about the sacrifices our military has made.”
“Healing comes with support. As many service members struggle to tell their stories, Rancho Remembers creates a space where those stories can be shared with the next generation. Children are our future, and I’ve always said — Legends Live Forever, and their stories will always be told.”
“I am forever grateful to see Dylan honored in such a meaningful way,” Rex concluded.
The remembrance of Dylan Merola serves as a powerful reminder that behind every name is a life defined by purpose, courage, and sacrifice. Events like “Rancho Remembers” ensure those stories are not only preserved, but carried forward.
About Rancho Remembers
“Rancho Remembers” is an annual event hosted by Rancho Cucamonga High School that connects students with veterans through shared experiences, fostering appreciation for military service and preserving the stories of those who served.
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City: Rancho Cucamonga
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Website: https://legendsliveforever.org/