So proud of the citizens of Gulfport & Biloxi

Friday, June 3, 2005, Danny Varnado of the 155th National Guard was laid to rest after dying in Iraq. The following was in today's Sound Off column in the SunHerald.

A moving tribute

• The family and friends of Sgt. Danny Varnado just lost someone very dear to us but we gained a further appreciation for the people of the Gulf Coast. To the many policemen, firemen, and AMR employees who stood at attention as a fellow hero passed by, thank you for your respect. To the caring citizens who lined Old U.S. 49, Dedeaux, Cowan and Pass roads with your hands over your hearts, waving flags or pulling your vehicle to the side, you touched us so deeply and we truly thank you for your kind tribute to Danny.