New Era for Fort Bragg: A Name Rededicated to Honor and Service

A New Chapter for a Historic Base

In a significant move that has sparked widespread discussion, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Monday that Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg, will once again bear the name Fort Bragg. This decision comes as part of a broader initiative to reevaluate the names of military bases that previously honored Confederate figures. The change, however, does not mark a return to honoring the Confederate legacy associated with the name Bragg. Instead, the base will now pay tribute to a different individual, Roland L. Bragg, an enlisted Army soldier who distinguished himself during World War II. This decision reflects a careful balance between historical continuity and the need to align military honors with contemporary values of inclusivity and respect.

The renaming of Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty in 2023 was part of a larger effort to eliminate military honors bestowed upon individuals who rebelled against the Union during the Civil War. This effort was mandated by the 2021 defense budget, which directed the renaming of nine military bases that honored Confederate figures. A commission of retired senior military officers and civilians was tasked with reviewing and recommending new names for these bases. Their 2022 report emphasized the importance of selecting honorees whose legacies align with the values of the U.S. military and the nation as a whole.

The New Namesake: A Hero of World War II

The decision to rename the base after Roland L. Bragg, a World War II hero, is deeply symbolic. Pfc. Bragg, an enlisted soldier, was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his bravery in combat. While the Pentagon statement announcing the change did not provide extensive biographical details about Bragg, historical records indicate that he served with the 17th Airborne Division during some of the most pivotal battles of World War II. The 17th Airborne Division played a crucial role in the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944 and conducted a daring parachute operation across the Rhine River in March 1945. These actions were instrumental in the Allied victory in Europe and highlight the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of soldiers like Pfc. Bragg.

The choice to honor Roland L. Bragg is noteworthy, particularly because it bucks a recommendation from the 2022 commission report. The report explicitly stated that the commission had avoided selecting new honorees with the same last name as the Confederate figures whose names were being replaced. However, Secretary Hegseth’s decision to do exactly that—replacing Braxton Bragg with Roland L. Bragg—underscores the complexities of historical legacy and the challenges of finding names that resonate with both tradition and modern values. By retaining the Bragg name, the decision acknowledges the historical significance of the base while shifting the focus to a figure whose service embodies the ideals of the U.S. military.

The Legacy of Braxton Bragg and the Weight of History

The original namesake of Fort Bragg, Braxton Bragg, was a Confederate general during the Civil War. The 2022 commission report described Bragg as a slave-owning plantation owner and “one of the worst generals of the Civil War,” noting that most of the battles he was involved in ended in defeat and significant losses for the Confederate Army. The decision to remove Bragg’s name from the base was part of a broader reckoning with the legacy of the Civil War and the role of Confederate symbols in American society. This issue has been deeply polarizing, with some viewing the removal of Confederate names as an erasure of history and others seeing it as a necessary step toward reconciliation and inclusivity.

The debate over the renaming of military bases has been further complicated by political dynamics. During his first term, President Donald Trump objected to the removal of Confederate names from military bases, vetoing the defense bill that included the renaming provision. However, the Senate overwhelmingly voted to override the veto, reflecting the bipartisan support for the initiative. More recently, at an October 2024 campaign event in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Trump pledged to reverse the name change and restore the base’s original name. This promise was met with cheers from his supporters but also criticism from those who view the Confederate legacy as incompatible with modern military values.

A New Name, a New Era

Secretary Hegseth’s decision to rename the base after Roland L. Bragg is not just a symbolic gesture; it represents a deliberate effort to redefine what it means to honor military service. By choosing a relatively overlooked figure—a junior enlisted soldier who earned his decorations through bravery in combat—the decision highlights the contributions of ordinary service members who have shaped the history of the U.S. military. This shift in focus from Confederate leaders to World War II heroes reflects a broader cultural shift, one that seeks to celebrate the diversity and unity of the American experience rather than its divisions.

The timing of the announcement is also significant. Secretary Hegseth signed the renaming memo on his first day at the Pentagon, signaling that this issue is a priority for his tenure. In a video posted on the Pentagon’s website, Hegseth is seen signing the memo aboard a military plane en route to Europe. “That’s right,” he said with a smile after reading a portion of the order, “Bragg is back.” The tone of the announcement suggests a sense of closure and renewal, as if the decision marks the end of a contentious chapter in the base’s history and the beginning of a new one.

A Ceremony and a Commitment

The renaming ceremony itself was a low-key affair, with Hegseth signing the memorandum while flying to Europe on a military plane. In a video shared on the Pentagon’s website, the secretary can be seen sitting at a desk, pens in hand, as he reads through the order. His brief remarks—“That’s right, Bragg is back”—were delivered with a sense of confidence and finality, as if to leave no doubt about the decision. This understated approach contrasts with the broader debate surrounding the renaming, which has been anything but quiet.

Conclusion: A Name Reclaimed and Rededicated

The renaming of Fort Bragg is more than just a change in nomenclature; it is a reclamation of the base’s identity and a rededication to the values it represents. By honoring Roland L. Bragg, the U.S. military is not only acknowledging the service of a World War II hero but also distancing itself from a legacy tied to the Confederacy. This decision reflects the complexities of historical memory and the ongoing effort to reconcile the past with the present. As the base looks to the future, its new name serves as a reminder of the enduring ideals of service, sacrifice, and unity that define the U.S. military.