Fort Bragg Restored: Defense Secretary Reverts Controversial Base Name Amidst Political Debate

February 11, 2025
Fort Bragg Restored: Defense Secretary Reverts Controversial Base Name Amidst Political Debate
  • Calls to rename military installations intensified following the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, which sparked a broader anti-racist movement.

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has officially reverted the name of Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg, claiming it honors WWII soldier Pfc. Roland L. Bragg.

  • Local veterans in the Fayetteville area expressed divided opinions on the name change from Liberty, indicating ongoing community discussions.

  • The article emphasizes the need for military installations to honor genuine American heroes rather than figures who fought against the U.S. government.

  • Hegseth's memo instructs the Army to implement the name change while adhering to relevant laws and regulations, including a timeline and resource allocation.

  • The name change has been met with mixed reactions, potentially provoking backlash against bases named after highly decorated individuals.

  • The renaming process involved a national commission and extensive community engagement, receiving over 4,224 suggestions for new names.

  • The original namesake, Gen. Braxton Bragg, was a Confederate general known for his ownership of slaves and significant military defeats during the Civil War.

  • This name change follows President Joe Biden's 2023 initiative to rename nine military bases that honored Confederate leaders.

  • The renaming of military installations has become a contentious political issue, particularly during Donald Trump's presidency, leading to the formation of a congressional commission to study the matter.

  • The renaming process, which cost approximately $6.37 million, raised questions about the financial implications of reverting the name back to Fort Bragg.

  • Senator Jack Reed criticized Hegseth's decision as a 'cynical maneuver' that disrespects the spirit of the law and the Gold Star families who supported the name Fort Liberty.

Summary based on 25 sources


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