In a recent move that has sparked significant attention, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum on Monday directing the Army to rename Fort Liberty, the North Carolina-based military installation, back to Fort Bragg.
This decision aims to restore the base’s historical connection to the name “Bragg,” but with a new namesake: Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II veteran who received the Silver Star and Purple Heart for extraordinary valor during the Battle of the Bulge.
The change comes more than a year after the Army renamed the base in 2023 to Fort Liberty, as part of a broader effort to eliminate Confederate names from U.S. military bases. The original Fort Bragg had been named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg, a figure who was widely criticized for his poor leadership and divisive personality during the Civil War.
The decision to rename military installations that had been associated with Confederate leaders was part of a contentious debate that gained momentum during the final months of Donald Trump’s presidency.
Fort Bragg’s Confederate Legacy and the Move to Rename
Fort Bragg had long been associated with General Braxton Bragg, who served as a senior commander for the Confederate Army. However, Bragg’s legacy was largely marked by his failures on the battlefield, where he earned a reputation as one of the most inept generals in the Confederate Army.
The naming commission established by Congress to assess the appropriateness of Confederate names on military installations highlighted Bragg’s unpopularity both among his peers in the U.S. Army before the Civil War and within the Confederate Army itself.
In 2023, the base was renamed Fort Liberty in accordance with the commission’s recommendations. The move to rename the base was part of a broader effort to remove Confederate symbolism from military bases and public spaces, which had become a source of deep division in the country.
The initiative gained substantial support in Congress, culminating in the override of President Trump’s veto on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in 2021. The law established the commission to study and recommend new names for military bases named after Confederate figures, with bipartisan support backing the initiative.
Hegseth’s Opposition and Support for the Name Change
Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and National Guard veteran, has long been an outspoken critic of efforts to rename military bases associated with Confederate leaders. In various media appearances, Hegseth dismissed the renaming effort as “a sham,” “garbage,” and “crap.”
He has argued that changing the names of military bases undermines the legacy and traditions of those who served at these installations, particularly those with deep personal connections to the bases.
Hegseth has consistently voiced his belief that the name “Bragg” should be restored, specifically Fort Bragg, as it had a personal meaning for him. He recalled his own military service at the base and pointed to his uncle’s history of serving there as well.
“Legacy matters,” Hegseth said in a podcast discussing the issue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining generational connections to historical military sites. Hegseth also argued that the renaming was politically motivated and divisive, suggesting that it was part of a broader attempt to erase history.
In a further indication of his commitment to restoring the base’s original name, Hegseth’s recent memorandum directs the Secretary of the Army to implement the renaming of Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg. The memo also notes that the name change will be carried out in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations, ensuring that it aligns with both the legal and procedural requirements set forth by the Department of Defense.
A New Namesake: Pfc. Roland L. Bragg
While the name “Bragg” is being reinstated, the base will no longer be linked to Confederate General Braxton Bragg. Instead, it will honor Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II hero who displayed exceptional bravery during the Battle of the Bulge. Pfc. Bragg was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his acts of valor, and his story stands in stark contrast to that of the controversial Confederate general after whom the base was originally named.
This decision is intended to reflect the installation’s legacy of recognizing service members who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and sacrifice for their country. By choosing to honor Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, the renaming serves as a reminder of the broader contributions of American service members throughout history, while also addressing concerns about the military’s association with Confederate figures.
Legal and Political Challenges Ahead
Despite Hegseth’s strong support for renaming Fort Liberty, the decision to restore the name Bragg is likely to continue to stir debate. The original renaming of Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty in 2023 was a result of a carefully considered process that involved a congressional commission.
Reversing that decision could face resistance from lawmakers who supported the change and believe that military bases should reflect the values of unity and inclusivity rather than historical figures linked to the Confederacy.
Moreover, implementing the name change could require additional resources and administrative coordination to ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements are met. The Secretary of the Army has been tasked with developing a timeline and identifying the necessary resources for the changeover.
A Divisive Issue
The renaming of military bases has become a focal point for broader political debates surrounding the legacy of the Confederacy, race, and national identity. For some, removing Confederate names from military installations is a step toward healing and reconciliation, while others view it as an unnecessary revision of history.
As the debate continues, Fort Bragg’s new identity as Fort Bragg in honor of Pfc. Roland L. Bragg will undoubtedly serve as a symbol of the evolving understanding of American history and military legacy. Whether this decision will be accepted or challenged remains to be seen, but it adds another chapter to the ongoing national conversation about how the U.S. honors its past while shaping its future.
