In Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the Army base has officially returned to its historic name, Fort Bragg. In 2023, the base was briefly renamed Fort Liberty as part of a nationwide effort to remove Confederate names from military sites. However, this change was met with mixed reactions, and now the name Bragg is back. The original Fort Bragg was named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg. Now, the base honors a different Bragg, a true American hero who fought in World War II.
Army private first class Roland L. Bragg now honored at the Base
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the name now honors Army Private First Class Roland L. Bragg. Bragg was a paratrooper from Maine who served in World War II. He was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery on the battlefield. The renaming gives new meaning to Fort Bragg, now standing for a decorated soldier instead of a Confederate general. Many believe this change is a fitting tribute to a true war hero.
Ceremony at the Base brings together soldiers and civilians
A special renaming ceremony was held in front of the base’s command center. The event drew hundreds of attendees, including active military personnel, veterans, and local residents. During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Greg Anderson spoke about the significance of the name. He called Roland Bragg “a hero worthy of the name Bragg” and praised his courage. The event was a moment of pride for many soldiers who have trained at Fort Bragg over the years.
Family of Roland Bragg attends and shares their pride at Fort Bragg
Roland Bragg’s family attended the ceremony to honor his legacy. His daughter Diane Watts and granddaughter Rebecca Amirpour were present. Amirpour spoke on behalf of the family, describing her grandfather as “strong, hardworking, and proud.” She said he rarely talked about his military service, even though he had displayed great bravery during World War II. The family was deeply touched by the recognition and the decision to rename the base after him.
Roland Bragg’s heroic actions during World War II
Bragg served in the 17th Airborne Division and played a key role in the Battle of the Bulge. During the battle, he was captured by German forces. However, he managed to escape by commandeering an ambulance. He used the vehicle to bring several wounded paratroopers to safety. One of the men he rescued survived thanks to his quick thinking. For his bravery, Bragg received the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. His actions showed true leadership and selflessness under pressure.
Before his deployment, Bragg trained at the North Carolina base. His daughter said he was proud of his time there. The name change from Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty in 2023 was controversial. Some believed it was a political move, while others supported the effort to remove Confederate names. Now that Fort Bragg is back, many veterans and current soldiers feel a sense of pride and nostalgia for the name they have always known.
Veterans express mixed reactions about the Fort Bragg name change
The return of Fort Bragg has sparked strong opinions among veterans. Retired Major Al Woodall, who is Black, said the name Fort Bragg has gathered deep meaning over the years. Another veteran, Carl Helton, who served at Fort Bragg in the 1960s, was happy to see the original name restored. He said, “It should have never been changed in the first place. It was all political anyway.” Many veterans feel connected to the name because of their experiences at the base, regardless of its origins.
The removal of Confederate names from military bases was ordered by Congress in 2020. Changing Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty cost an estimated $8 million. The North Carolina Department of Transportation also spent over $200,000 to update road signs. Some believe this money could have been better spent on military funding or veteran support programs. The back-and-forth changes have raised concerns about how government funds are used.
Fort Moore in Georgia also returns to an earlier name
Another Army base in Georgia is also getting a name change. Fort Moore, which was renamed in 2023, will now return to its earlier name, Fort Benning. This time, it will honor Corporal Fred G. Benning, a World War I hero. The original name Fort Benning was associated with Confederate Brigadier General Henry L. Benning. This shift mirrors what happened at Fort Bragg, where the name now honors a decorated soldier instead of a Confederate leader.
Bragg’s family was not consulted
The Army did not consult Roland Bragg’s family before renaming the base. However, his daughter Diane Watts expressed happiness about the decision. She believes it is an honor for her father’s name to be remembered this way. Some veterans say that returning to Fort Bragg feels like “coming home again.” They believe the name represents tradition, history, and the legacy of the soldiers who trained and served there.
This change corrects past misunderstandings about Roland Bragg’s connection to the base. He trained there before going off to war. Now, Fort Bragg carries his name to honor his bravery and sacrifice. The name, once tied to a Confederate general, now represents an American soldier who risked his life to save others. Many hope this change will bring a sense of unity and respect for the military history of Fort Bragg.
