Fort Bragg Renamed to Honor WWII Hero: A Ceremony of Reflection and Renewal
A Name Restored: Fort Bragg Reclaims Its Heritage
In a ceremony steeped in history and emotion, Fort Liberty, the nation’s largest Army installation, officially reclaimed its former name, Fort Bragg, on Friday. The North Carolina post, initially named after Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg over a century ago, underwent a renaming process in 2023 as part of a broader effort to remove Confederate symbols from public spaces. However, the decision to revert to Fort Bragg was made in honor of a new namesake: Army Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II paratrooper and Silver Star recipient. The renaming ceremony, held under black and yellow tents in front of the base’s command center, drew a crowd of active servicemen and civilians eager to witness this historic moment.
Lt. Gen. Greg Anderson, speaking at the event, emphasized the significance of the name, stating, “Today we honor a hero worthy of the name Bragg. It is synonymous with excellence.” The reversion was made official when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed the order last month. In a video message, Hegseth declared, “That’s right. Bragg is back.”
A Hero’s Legacy: The Story of Roland Bragg
Roland L. Bragg, the new namesake of Fort Bragg, was a paratrooper with the 17th Airborne Division during World War II. His bravery during the Battle of the Bulge earned him the Silver Star and a Purple Heart. Lt. Gen. Anderson recounted Bragg’s heroic actions, including how he commandeered an ambulance to transport wounded soldiers to safety after being captured by German forces. Among those in attendance at the ceremony were Bragg’s family members, including his daughter, Diane Watts, and granddaughter, Rebecca Amirpour, who shared personal insights into his life and legacy.
In a heartfelt speech, Amirpour described her grandfather as “strong, hardworking, and proud,” noting that he rarely spoke about his military service. She also read a letter her grandfather had written while recovering from injuries in an Army hospital, in which he reflected on courage and camaraderie. “Rank doesn’t mean a thing when you’re in a tight spot,” she quoted from the letter. These words resonated deeply with the audience, serving as a testament to Bragg’s character and the values he embodied.
A Controversial Decision: Reactions and Debates
The decision to revert Fort Bragg’s name has sparked both celebration and criticism. The initial renaming to Fort Liberty in 2023 was part of a broader effort to remove Confederate symbols from military installations, a process that required an act of Congress overriding a veto by then-President Donald Trump. Critics of the reversion argue that it represents a political reversal, with some accusing the administration of pandering to Trump’s base. Supporters, however, see it as a necessary step to honor a true American hero and restore a name that held significance for generations of servicemen and women.
The debate over the name change is not isolated to Fort Bragg. Hegseth recently announced that Georgia’s Fort Moore will revert to Fort Benning, honoring Cpl. Fred G. Benning, a World War I hero. This broader trend reflects ongoing tensions over how military installations should balance historical legacies with modern values.
Personal Ties and Shared History: The Bragg Family’s Perspective
While the decision to rename Fort Bragg after Roland Bragg was made without prior consultation with his family, they expressed delight at the honor. Diane Watts, Bragg’s daughter, shared that her father had trained at the North Carolina post before deploying, creating a personal connection to the installation. Rebecca Amirpour, his granddaughter, noted that the naming was a fitting tribute to her grandfather’s legacy. “This is a way to remember him and keep his memory alive,” she said.
The Bragg family’s presence at the ceremony added a deeply personal dimension to the event. Their stories and reflections humanized the broader debate, reminding attendees that the name change was not just about symbols or politics but about honoring a man whose courage and sacrifice left an indelible mark on history.
Costs and Controversies: The Financial and Emotional Toll
The naming and renaming of Fort Bragg have come at a cost, both financially and emotionally. The 2023 decision to rename the installation to Fort Liberty was estimated to cost $8 million, with North Carolina’s Department of Transportation anticipating additional expenses for replacing road signs. The reversion to Fort Bragg will likely incur further costs, though the exact figure remains unclear.
Opinions on the financial burden are divided. Retired Maj. Al Woodall, a Black veteran who served at Fort Bragg, expressed support for the name change, calling it a “well-spent investment” and comparing it to “coming back home again.” Others, like Mike D’Arcy, a veteran who served at Fort Bragg in the 1990s, criticized the expense, suggesting that politicians’ salaries should be cut to offset the costs. These differing perspectives highlight the complexities of balancing historical preservation, cultural sensitivity, and fiscal responsibility.
Looking Forward: A New Chapter for Fort Bragg
As Fort Bragg begins this new chapter, the renaming ceremony served as a moment of reflection and renewal. The installation’s rich history, now linked to the legacy of Roland Bragg, offers a chance to redefine its identity while honoring the sacrifices of those who have served. For the soldiers currently stationed at Fort Bragg, the name change is a reminder of the values they uphold: courage, resilience, and excellence.
The ceremony also underscored the enduring debate over how to navigate historical legacies in a changing world. While some view the reversion as a step backward, others see it as an opportunity to honor a hero and reconnect with a shared history. As Fort Bragg moves forward, the focus will remain on its mission to train and prepare soldiers for service, even as its name serves as a daily reminder of the hero it now honors.
