Shield of the Republic The Pentagon's Confederate Cover-Up
Nov 24, 2025
Retired Brigadier General Ty Seidule, a historian and author, shares insights from his role on the Naming Commission, which aims to replace Confederate symbols with names reflecting American values. He discusses the process of renaming bases like Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty, highlighting its significance for unity among troops. The conversation delves into the myths surrounding the Confederate legacy, the backlash against renaming efforts, and the need to confront historical narratives, especially regarding figures like Robert E. Lee, who are often romanticized despite their ties to slavery.
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Congress Mandated Removal Of Confederate Commemoration
- The 2020 law required removing Confederate commemoration across the military and created a naming commission to implement it.
- Ty Seidule's commission identified 1,111 Confederate commemorations and renamed nine major base names after locally resonant American figures.
Commemoration Is About Values, Not History
- Commemoration differs from history because it signals who we value and inspire, not what we teach.
- Renaming bases doesn't erase history; it changes who we honor in public spaces.
Fort Bragg Became Fort Liberty For Unity
- Local identity tensions at Fort Bragg led the commission to choose Fort Liberty rather than a single individual name.
- Liberty unified the 82nd Airborne and Special Forces where no single nominee satisfied both communities.
