Pentagon Chief Restores Name of Fort Benning, Sidesteps Congressional Provision
The U.S. Defense Secretary has ordered the renaming of Fort Moore to its original name of Fort Benning, undoing a 2023 change driven by racial justice protests, while sidestepping a Congressional provision that banned bases with Confederate names. The decision comes after months of controversy surrounding the base's namesake, Corporal Fred Benning, who served in World War One and received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. The move is seen as a victory for those who sought to restore the original name, which was previously used during World War One.
- This move highlights the ongoing struggle between preserving historical accuracy and sensitivity towards racial and social justice issues in the U.S. military.
- What implications will this decision have on the broader effort to rename bases with Confederate names across the country?