The Trump administration reinstated names of nine military bases originally named after Confederate generals. This move was seen as dishonoring previous bipartisan efforts to address the military's segregationist history. Advocates for integration emphasize the significance of honoring milestones in the military, such as the naming of a base for Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg, the first African American lieutenant general in 2023. Despite Gregg's honor, the administration later stripped his name from the base and replaced it with names reminiscent of the original Confederate names, leading to heated congressional debate.
"I think the success in the Army's integration of African Americans and other minorities has been a powerful influence in the wider society of America."
"I recognize that having my name on a major Army installation imposes additional responsibility on me, but I carry that responsibility with a great deal of pride."
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth explained the rationale to Congress in a heated exchange with Senator Tim Kaine, questioning the removal of names at three Virginia bases.
Less than a year after receiving the honor, Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg's name was stripped from the base that was renamed for him.
Collection
[
|
...
]