US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has made a significant decision regarding the naming of a major military base, Fort Liberty, located in North Carolina. In a surprising move, Hegseth has ordered the base to be reverted back to its original name, Fort Bragg.
This decision by Hegseth comes in direct opposition to a measure supported by Congress in 2023 that called for the renaming of military installations linked to Confederate figures. The renaming of Fort Liberty was part of a broader initiative to erase associations with the Confederacy from military bases.
Fort Bragg, named after Confederate soldier Gen Braxton Bragg, has now been rededicated to honor World War II veteran Pfc. Roland L. Bragg. In a video shared on his social media account, Hegseth announced, “That’s right, Bragg is back,” underscoring the official name change.
Flying to Europe on a military plane, Hegseth signed the directive to rename the base, emphasizing the tribute to Pfc. Roland L. Bragg’s valor during the Battle of the Bulge, where he displayed exceptional courage, earning both the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
According to a statement released by defence department press secretary John Ullyot, the renaming reflects the base’s commitment to recognizing individuals who have displayed extraordinary service and sacrifice for the nation. This decision fulfills a promise made by President Donald Trump during his campaign.
During a rally in North Carolina, Trump had criticized the initial name change, promising to restore the base’s original name. Hegseth, who had voiced his discontent with the renaming of Fort Liberty in the past, emphasized the importance of preserving legacy, citing personal connections to the base through family and military service.
While the new name honors a different Bragg, it contrasts with a 2022 Congressional commission report that recommended avoiding the use of surnames associated with Confederate figures in renaming military installations. The report highlighted Gen Braxton Bragg’s negative legacy as a slave-owning plantation owner and a lackluster Civil War general.
Fort Bragg was among the nine bases identified by the Naming Commission for renaming, a recommendation that was included in a 2020 defence bill. Despite Trump’s veto of the bill, Congress successfully overrode it, leading to the renaming of Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty in June 2023.
With approximately 52,000 personnel stationed at Fort Bragg, the base has a reputation for its ability to swiftly deploy troops for overseas missions, underscoring its strategic importance within the military framework.
Hegseth’s decision to restore the original name of Fort Bragg serves as a reflection of the ongoing debate surrounding the legacy of Confederate figures in American history and the military’s efforts to align with current values of inclusivity and diversity.
