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Fort Liberty to be Renamed Back to Fort Bragg, Honoring a Different Bragg
On Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initiated a controversial decision to change the name of Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg, but with a significant alteration. Hegseth issued a memo aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17, declaring that the North Carolina military installation will be renamed Fort Roland L. Bragg, in tribute to a World War II hero rather than the Confederate general for whom the base was originally named.
“That’s right. Bragg is back,” stated Hegseth following the signing of the memo, reinforcing the return of the Bragg name while shifting its lineage to a more heroic figure.
Background on the Name Change
The installation underwent a name change in 2023 as part of a wider Department of Defense initiative in response to the George Floyd protests of 2020, which sparked a national conversation about Confederate symbols. Previously named for Gen. Braxton Bragg—a Confederate general notorious for losing pivotal battles and for his slave ownership—the base was stripped of its Confederate association.
The new designation pays homage to Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, celebrated for his valor during World War II, notably recognized with the Silver Star and Purple Heart at the Battle of the Bulge. According to the memo, “During these hellish conditions and amidst ferocious fighting, PFC. Bragg saved a fellow soldier’s life by commandeering an enemy ambulance and driving it 20 miles to transport a fellow wounded warrior to an allied hospital in Belgium.”
Significance of the Renaming
The update to Fort Roland L. Bragg highlights the military’s desire to honor exemplary acts of bravery rather than historical figures who may represent divisive legacies. The memo articulated that this directive honors personal courage and selfless service from individuals who have trained for the defense of the nation, aligning with the installation’s rich history.
Fort Liberty, previously known as Fort Bragg, is among the largest military installations worldwide and hosts the renowned 82nd Airborne Division and the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
In tandem with the renaming of Fort Bragg, several other Army posts have also undergone name changes. Notable transformations include Fort Benning, which was renamed Fort Moore after Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, and Fort Hood, now Fort Cavazos, in honor of four-star general Richard Edward Cavazos, who served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
As Fort Liberty’s name returns to Bragg, it is clear that the military aims to balance reverence for historical military figures with contemporary values, illustrating an evolving perspective in honoring those who have made significant sacrifices for their country.
Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Ty Seidule previously remarked that the name Fort Liberty was selected to reflect “liberty remains the greatest American value,” showcasing the ongoing conversation about what names and legacies signify within the military context.
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