US army renaming bases to remove confederate symbols
Date
3/27/2023 3:37:44 AM
(MENAFN) The United States army has announced the renaming of six bases that were previously named after Confederate heroes. This decision follows through on last year’s recommendation that all Army properties be stripped of all “names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia” that honor those who fought for the South during the United States Civil War. The Army's move is part of a broader effort by the United States military to address concerns about racism and inequality within its ranks.
The first of the nine bases to be renamed was Fort Pickett, an Army National Guard base located in rural Virginia. It was renamed Fort Barfoot on March 26, dropping its original namesake Confederate Maj. Gen. George Pickett. The base now honors Col. Van Barfoot, a Native American World War II Medal of Honor recipient who also fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Fort Hood in central Texas is set to be renamed Fort Cavazos on April 9, according to a recent announcement. The base will be renamed after Gen. Richard Cavazos, who was the Army’s first Hispanic four-star general and a hero of the Korean and Vietnam wars. The base is shedding its association with Gen. John Bell Hood, who resigned his commission with the Union Army to join the Confederates.
The renaming of these bases is a significant step towards removing symbols of the Confederacy from the US military landscape. It is seen as a way to promote inclusivity and equality within the armed forces, as well as to acknowledge the contributions of diverse groups of soldiers who fought for the United States. The Army's move has received widespread support, with many seeing it as a necessary step towards reconciling with the country's past and moving forward towards a more just and equitable future.
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