The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has officially decided to rename Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg. However, instead of honoring Confederate General Braxton Bragg, the military base will now be named after Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II hero.
Fort Liberty Renamed Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg, located in North Carolina, was originally named after Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general known for his poor leadership and unpopularity. In 2023, the U.S. Army renamed it to Fort Liberty to remove Confederate connections, following a recommendation by a congressional commission.
However, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who has served in the National Guard and was a former Fox News host, opposed the removal of Confederate names from military bases. He has often spoken against the changes and expressed strong support for restoring the original names.
To avoid controversy over Confederate history, the base will now honor Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a soldier who displayed great bravery during World War II. He received the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his heroic actions in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the most significant battles of the war.
According to Pentagon press secretary John Ullyot, renaming the base after Pfc. Bragg highlights the legacy of soldiers who showed courage and sacrificed for the nation.
The Department of Defense has ordered the Army to implement the name change while following all legal and regulatory steps. The military will soon outline the timeline and resources required to complete the transition.
This decision reflects ongoing debates about the names of U.S. military bases and their historical significance. While some support honoring past military heroes, others argue against reversing previous renaming decisions.
