Fort Bragg in North Carolina is now Fort Liberty after the US Army renamed one of the world’s largest military installations on Friday.
On Friday morning, the renaming was formalized in a ceremony.
The change is the result of a branch-wide push to rename bases bearing the names of Confederate leaders. It is currently named after Gen. Braxton Bragg, a divisive Confederate general known for his hot temper, combative personality, and often subpar performance on the battlefield.
Fort Bragg was one of nine bases proposed for renaming by a congressional commission, but while the others have been or are expected to be renamed after notable people, Fort Liberty will be the only facility named after a value.
“Liberty is about changing the narrative a little bit about who we are, but it is not about forgetting who we are or what we’ve done,” Fort Bragg Garrison Commander Col. John Wilcox told CNN. “It’s about devoting time and energy to honoring those who have made sacrifices along the way.”
“Liberty exists here.” It is a part of our ethos and who we are,” he added.
The Army acknowledged concerns expressed by those who believe the base’s history should be preserved, but stated on its website that “no action can take away from the heritage this installation’s service members created while stationed here or anywhere else, serving our nation.”
“We understand that the original name’s prestige in the eyes of some of the Soldiers, Families, and our nation was built on the bravery and dedication of those who served here, not on the legacy of an obscure, incompetent, ill-tempered Confederate general,” the website continued. “However, our country’s representatives felt compelled to move on from that name and enact the redesignation, and we are abiding by that law.”
Several streets on the base will be renamed after service members who have “a unique connection” to the military post as part of the redesignation. These modifications are expected to be completed by December 31.
Last year, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the first Black person to hold the position, approved the naming recommendations of the congressional commission.
Another major military installation, Fort Hood in Texas, was renamed Fort Cavazos last month in honor of Gen. Richard Edward Cavazos, a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars who became the first Hispanic person to wear four stars on his uniform.
