Armed Forces Retirement Home celebrates Mardi Gras with parade, coronation

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) — The good times rolled in style at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport on Friday Afternoon.

The Krewe of NAMAC (Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard) celebrated the coronation of a new king and queen and a Mardi Gras parade for all of its residents.

Beads and coins flew through the air as residents paraded their own floats down the main hallway of the AFRH in what could be described as one of the Coast’s most-unique parades.

“I think [about] how lucky I am to be here,” newly-crowned queen Dona Brannan said. “How many places for old folks have a party like this or a chance to celebrate this way?”

In true Carnival fashion, the event wasn’t complete without the coronation of new royalty. Brannan received her title as queen, while Calvin Dart was named the Krewe’s newest king; the honor is presented to the two oldest residents who have not previously served on the court.

“[It’s] unbelievable,” Dart explained, “That I’m 95 and still kicking!”

“It’s a great honor, even though you have to be old to be queen,” Brannan said, laughing.

As residents from near and far raised champagne toasts, it was a celebration of both the newest members of royalty and the friendships made within the halls.

“I’ve met people from all over the country, you know, and it’s a real fun experience,” Dart explained.