Fort Liberty By Any Other Name

A few years ago it was decided to rename multiple US Army posts from their former names after Confederate Generals to more modern names, reflecting diversity and loyal service to our nation.

President Trump has pledged to return Fort Bragg‘s name when he returns to office next year.

While it will always be Fort Bragg to me, at least for sentiment’s sake, I have always wondered why an installation filled with paratroopers would be named after a mediocre artillery general.

I think it would be best to rename the installation after an American hero. The name “Liberty” took on a 1984esque aura, which has seemed to demoralize rather than uplift the service members assigned there.

We’ve got a long list of great men who were associated with Fort Bragg or its units to choose from. For instance, Alvin York, a WWI member of the 82nd Division who didn’t want to go to war but answered when his nation called. Then, there’s Jumpin’ General James Gavin, WWII hero and 82nd Abn Div CG. We could honor Gen William Yarborough; known as the father of modern Green Berets; he served as a paratrooper in WWII, Korea and in SE Asia.

Looking to enlisted men for inspiration there is a bevy of Medal of Honor awardees from Vietnam like MSG Roy Benavidez. Or, we could take inspiration from more modern heroes by christening the Army Fort outside of Fayetteville with the names Shughart—Gordon in honor of their selfless sacrifice in Mogadishu.

What are your ideas?