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Fayetteville, NC – In a milestone move that underscores the U.S. Army’s commitment to inclusivity, Fort Bragg shed its Confederate namesake on Friday, taking on the new name of Fort Liberty. Many veterans regard this development as a significant stride towards making the Army more welcoming to both current and prospective Black service members.
The name change is part of a wider Department of Defense initiative that sprang into action following the 2020 George Floyd protests. This initiative aims to rename military installations that were previously named after Confederate soldiers. The nationwide Black Lives Matter protests after Floyd’s killing, along with ongoing efforts to dismantle Confederate monuments, have cast a spotlight on these Army installations.
The Journey to Fort Liberty
A Congress-established naming commission visited these bases and sought input from members of the surrounding communities to guide the renaming process. Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, the commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Liberty, spoke with reporters following the official name-change ceremony, expressing satisfaction with the achieved mission and the improvements it brought.
Although other bases are being renamed in honor of Black soldiers, U.S. presidents, and pioneering women, the North Carolina military installation stands unique, being the only one renamed after an ideal rather than a person. The name ‘Liberty’ was chosen as it encapsulates the quintessential American value, and has deep historical roots in the local area.
Today, Fort Bragg was redesignated as Fort Liberty.
The name liberty honors the heroism, sacrifices and values of the #USArmy Soldiers, civilians, and families who live and serve there. pic.twitter.com/AtAnLRKKCE
— U.S. Army (@USArmy) June 2, 2023
The Cost and Continuity
The renaming of Fort Bragg, one of the world’s most populous military installations, is estimated to cost around $8 million. While most of the visible signage has already been replaced, the transition is still in progress. However, base spokesperson Cheryle Rivas emphasized that, despite the name change, the mission remains unchanged.
The Road Ahead: Future Renamings
Next in line for renaming is Fort Polk in Louisiana, slated to become Fort Johnson on June 13 in honor of Sgt. William Henry Johnson. The naming commission’s recommended changes must be implemented by January 1 of the next year.
A Question of Legacy: The History Behind the Names
The North Carolina base was originally named in 1918 for Gen. Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general notorious for owning slaves and losing pivotal Civil War battles that hastened the Confederacy’s downfall. Historian Nina Silber explains that several military bases were named after Confederate soldiers during World Wars I and II as a “demonstration of reconciliation” with white southerners.
Embracing Change: Veterans’ Mixed Feelings
As the transformation materializes, the feelings among veterans remain mixed. While some appreciate the gesture of change, others still feel emotionally tied to the old names. Yet, most agree that regardless of the base’s name, their dedication to the mission and their bonds of camaraderie remain unaltered.
In conclusion, Fort Liberty’s inauguration marks a long-overdue step in the right direction. It underscores a pivotal message: the U.S. military is committed to upholding the principles of liberty and equality for all service members.
