Congressman Robert Aderholt joined the McFarland family of Tuscaloosa at the United States Navy Memorial for the unveiling of a plaque honoring the late Hon. Ward Wharton McFarland for his service to the United States and the State of Alabama. McFarland is the namesake of McFarland Boulevard in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

“It is a privilege to witness Mr. McFarland’s memory enshrined on the U.S. Navy Memorial. His dedicated service to our country serves as a reminder to us all of the sacrifices and bravery of people like him that have made America the greatest country in the world. His service to our country and the state of Alabama will live far beyond our lifetimes, and his memory will forever be enshrined at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., said Congressman Aderholt.”

Mr. McFarland was a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama born in 1914. During his service in the United States Navy during World War II, his vessel was torpedoed in the North Atlantic, and Mr. McFarland accepted a medical discharge, receiving a Purple Heart medal. Upon his return to Alabama, Mr. McFarland voluntarily enlisted in the U.S Army Air Corps at Maxwell Field–demonstrating lifelong patriotism to the United States.

Mr. McFarland dedicated his young adulthood to his country through his service in the armed forces and, later, for his outstanding success as a skilled attorney, educator, real estate developer, and entrepreneur. Mr. McFarland founded a multi-million-dollar real estate empire that included the development of malls, apartment complexes, medical buildings, restaurants, hotels, and neighborhoods throughout the South. Also teaching economics as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, The University of Alabama, Mr. McFarland touched the lives of many students.

The state of Alabama honored the late Mr. Ward Wharton McFarland for his outstanding character and leadership, and the Alabama Senate commemorated him as one of the state’s most outstanding and contributing citizens in 1979 following his passing. Mr. McFarland dedicated his life to service in many sectors of his life, through service to his family, his community, his state, and his country.