Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth renames Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg

A New Chapter for Fort Bragg: Understanding the Renaming Decision

In a significant move that has sparked both celebration and controversy, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently signed a memorandum to officially rename Fort Liberty in North Carolina back to its original name, Fort Bragg. This decision, made aboard a military transport aircraft en route to Germany, marks the latest chapter in a long-standing debate over the naming of U.S. military installations. Hegseth, a vocal advocate for restoring the name, took to social media to announce the change, declaring, “Bragg is back.” The move has been met with a mix of enthusiasm from those who see it as a return to tradition and criticism from those who argue it undermines efforts to distance the military from its Confederate legacy.

Honoring a World War II Hero: The New Meaning of Fort Bragg

While the name Fort Bragg may evoke images of the Confederate general it was originally named after, the new designation does not honor Gen. Braxton Bragg, a controversial figure known for owning slaves and leading the Confederacy to key defeats during the Civil War. Instead, the rename pays tribute to a different Bragg: Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II hero who earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his extraordinary courage during the Battle of the Bulge. According to Department of Defense press secretary John Ullyot, this change reflects the installation’s legacy of recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and sacrifice for the nation. By shifting focus to a figure like Roland Bragg, the Department of Defense aims to align the base’s name with values of heroism and selflessness.

A Brief History: From Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty and Back

Fort Bragg, established in 1918, was originally named after Gen. Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general from North Carolina. The decision to name the base after Bragg was part of a broader effort during World Wars I and II to reconcile with Southern whites, as explained by Boston University historian Nina Silber. However, in recent years, the base’s name has become a point of contention, particularly in light of growing awareness of the Confederacy’s role in perpetuating slavery and racial inequality. In June 2023, as part of a Biden administration initiative spurred by the 2020 George Floyd protests, the base was renamed Fort Liberty, a name chosen to symbolize freedom and unity. This name was unique among military bases renamed during this period, as it did not honor a specific individual.

The Cost and Controversy of Renaming

The decision to rename Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg has not been without its challenges. The initial renaming to Fort Liberty cost approximately $8 million, a figure that has drawn criticism from some who question the practicality of such expenditures. Additionally, the move has been politically charged, with former President Donald Trump vowing during his 2024 campaign to revert the name back to Fort Bragg if elected. Trump, who has long been a proponent of preserving the base’s original name, framed the issue as part of a broader cultural struggle, declaring at a rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, “We did win two world wars from Fort Bragg, right? We’re gonna get it back. We’re gonna bring our country back.” The rename has thus become a symbol of ongoing debates about national identity, military tradition, and racial justice.

The Strategic Importance of Fort Bragg

Beyond the name, Fort Bragg remains one of the most significant military installations in the world. Home to the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and the headquarters of the Army’s Special Operations Command, the base plays a critical role in U.S. military operations. Hegseth’s memorandum directs the Army to provide a timeline for implementing the name change and identify any additional resources needed. This bureaucratic process underscores the logistical complexity of renaming such a major facility. However, for many, the name change represents more than just a bureaucratic formality—it signifies a deliberate effort to reshape the cultural and historical narrative surrounding the base.

Looking Ahead: The Broader Debate Over Military Namesakes

The renaming of Fort Bragg raises important questions about how the military—and the nation at large—grapples with its historical legacy. While some view the restoration of the name as a way to honor tradition and recognize the base’s storied history, others see it as a step backward in efforts to confront and move beyond the Confederacy’s racist legacy. As the Department of Defense continues to navigate these complexities, the debate over Fort Bragg serves as a microcosm of broader societal tensions. Ultimately, the name change reflects the ongoing struggle to reconcile past and present, ensuring that military installations not only honor the sacrifices of service members but also align with the values of justice and equality that they swear to defend.