The City of Fairhope has named Frank McArdle as its 2025 Veteran of the Year, recognizing his honorable military service, civic leadership and dedication to the Fairhope community.

McArdle, a U.S. Army veteran, served from 1974 to 1976, for which he was recognized as Soldier of the Month at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and received the National Defense Service Medal. A graduate of Louisiana State University, he went on to lead Big River Construction and Remodeling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and held leadership roles with the Home Builders Association and National Association of Home Builders.

As a resident of Fairhope, McArdle has been an active member of American Legion Post 199, currently serving as chairman of the building committee and liaison for American Legion Baseball on the Eastern Shore. He oversaw the completion of a $1.4 million building project for Post 199 and played a role in helping revive the local American Legion Baseball program.

McArdle will lead the city's Veterans Day parade, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m. The parade begins at the Fairhope Civic Center and will feature local veterans' organizations, military vehicles and performances by the Fairhope High School band and Daphne High School's ROTC. A light breakfast for veterans and parade participants will be served at 8:30 a.m. in the civic center's lobby.

The city's Veterans Day commemorations will continue on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 4:45 p.m. at Henry George Park with a sunset prayer service at the Veterans Memorial, "Tears of Sorrow, Tears of Joy."