Fort Bragg Restored: Defense Secretary Reverts Controversial Base Name Amidst Political Debate
February 11, 2025
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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Sources

Yahoo News • Feb 11, 2025
Hegseth signs order to restore Fort Bragg name — but with new angle
AP News • Feb 11, 2025
Hegseth renames North Carolina military base Fort Roland L. Bragg
Fox News • Feb 11, 2025
Hegseth says Fort Bragg is coming back, but with a twist