In 2023, during a national reflection on racial issues in America, seven Army bases underwent name changes as they were initially named after Confederate leaders. The bases are now returning to their original names but with new honorees who share surnames with Confederates. This decision has sparked discussions both within and outside the military community, with concerns raised about the true motivations behind the move. Critics question if the renaming is an attempt to undermine efforts to distance from Confederate ties or a step towards recognizing a different aspect of history. The names, previously changed under the Biden administration, are now being restored by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, aligning with a shift from diversity-related references. Despite legal restrictions on honoring Confederates, the military is reverting to familiar names to honor past soldiers. The timeline of events includes the renaming of Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty and Fort Benning to Fort Moore. Similar changes were applied to other bases such as Fort A.P. Hill, Fort Pickett, Fort Robert E. Lee, Fort Gordon, Fort Hood, Fort Polk, and Fort Rucker. The article also touches on the renaming of military assets beyond bases, like the USNS Harvey Milk. Different perspectives are shared regarding the renaming process, highlighting diverse opinions on commemorating historical figures and the values they represent.
