Fort Bragg has announced that the base will officially redesignate to Fort Liberty in a ceremony on June 2. 

According to a press release from the base; “The name Liberty honors the heroism, sacrifices, and values of the Soldiers, Service Members, Civilians, and Families who live and serve with this installation. We view this as the next chapter in our history and look forward to honoring the stories of our military heroes from every generation and walk of life.” 

According to the release, a little over a year ago, base leadership reached out to the community to help find a name to represent  the values and characteristics that would have significance for everyone. Many distinguished members from the surrounding area participated and helped base leaders  make this decision. 
The press release reads: “The name Fort Liberty was not chosen at random. The word conveys the aspiration of all who serve and has special significance to Fort Bragg units and the surrounding community.

For many, the idea that any other name would replace Fort Bragg would mean losing a part of who we have been, who we are, and who we will be in the future when the nation calls.” 

According to the release, the Naming Commission for Fort Bragg struggled to choose a name from over 50 Medal of Honor recipients who could “capture and encompass the scope and spirit of this installation. Each of them is just as deserving as the other.” 

What resonated among the Commission and community members was the desire to name the installation not after a single person, but a value or characteristic that would have significance for everyone.

Then, a Gold Star mother stood up and said, we are never going to agree. There are too many people. My son gave his life for liberty. And everyone said…Liberty!

On March 16, at the Chairman's Coffee Club networking event for the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Seymore and Garrison Commander Col. John Wilcox took the time to speak on the name change and the process behind the decision to settle on Fort Liberty.  

While Fort Bragg is currently in the planning process for the name redesignation ceremony, the two announced a Sunset Liberty March has been planned as a part of a phased approach to the new name culminating with the ceremony on June 2. 

The concept will be to conduct a half mile Sunset March 365 Days a year to honor the service and sacrifice of Service Members and to honor the legacy of liberty built by the many men and women who have sacrificed their lives while assigned at what will soon be Fort Liberty. 

The March will start at Honeycutt and Liberty Trail (Old Bragg Blvd) and move along the trail ending in the vicinity where Randolph road begins with light illuminating with the marchers. 

A new monument will be constructed where the Veteran or Service Member will render honors. 

Details have yet to be released on the start date of the March, but this is one confirmed part of the name redesignation of the Fort Bragg Military Installation.