Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has announced the renaming of Fort Liberty, one of the Army's largest installations, to honor a different Bragg: Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II veteran recognized for his extraordinary bravery during the Battle of the Bulge. This decision, outlined in a memorandum signed on Monday, aims to highlight the installation's commitment to honoring individuals who have displayed exceptional service and sacrifice for the nation.
Originally named after Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg, the North Carolina military installation faced criticism due to the general's controversial reputation and performance during the Civil War. The renaming of Fort Liberty in 2023 was part of a broader initiative to replace Confederate monikers from US military bases, with a congressional commission proposing changes during President Joe Biden's administration.
The renaming efforts gained momentum following debates during Donald Trump's presidency, culminating in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act that included provisions for renaming military bases. Despite Trump's veto, Congress overrode it with bipartisan support, leading to the eventual renaming of Fort Liberty.
Hegseth, a National Guard veteran and former news host, had been vocal in his opposition to removing Confederate generals' names from military bases. He criticized the renaming efforts in various media appearances between 2021 and 2024, referring to them as 'a sham,' 'garbage,' and 'crap.'
