Honoring a Masonic Hero: Why Fort Bragg’s Name Had to Change - S3 Special Episode

Honoring a Masonic Hero: Why Fort Bragg’s Name Had to Change

In this episode of the Old Fashion Masonic Podcast, Past Master and host Brian Byrd explores the fascinating and complex history behind Fort Bragg—one of the most well-known military installations in the United States. Originally named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg, the fort underwent a controversial renaming process as part of the Department of Defense’s initiative to remove Confederate ties from military bases. However, after years of debate, the name Fort Bragg has returned—but this time, in honor of a true American hero and Freemason, PFC Roland Bragg.

Timeline of Changes:
▪️1918: Fort Bragg was established, named after General Braxton Bragg, a Confederate officer and West Point graduate known for his role in the Civil War.

▪️2023: As part of the military’s effort to rename bases originally dedicated to Confederate figures, Fort Bragg was renamed Fort Liberty—a decision met with mixed reactions.

▪️2025: After ongoing discussions and calls to honor a more fitting namesake, the installation is renamed once again—this time in honor of PFC Roland Bragg, a decorated U.S. Army soldier and Freemason who exemplified duty, honor, and service to his country.

Who Were These Men?
General Braxton Bragg (1817–1876):
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/braxton-bragg

A Confederate general with a controversial legacy, known for his poor leadership and strategic failures in the Civil War. Despite his military background, he remains a divisive figure due to his role in the Confederacy.

PFC Roland Bragg (1923-1999):
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_L._Bragg

A dedicated American soldier and Freemason, Roland Bragg served with distinction and gave his life in the line of duty. His commitment to service, brotherhood, and sacrifice made him a worthy namesake for the historic military base.

Join us as Brian Byrd breaks down the significance of this renaming, the role of Freemasonry in honoring true American heroes, and why PFC Roland Bragg’s legacy deserves to be remembered.

Chapters:
00:00 Start
00:05 Introduction
01:13 Fort Bragg Historical
02:57 CBS News Recap
03:41 Braxton Bragg
05:18 Was General Bragg a Bad Guy
06:20 Legacy of Fort Bragg
06:55 Roland Bragg
07:55 Bragg Military Begins
11:00 Politics for the Renaming?
12:20 Bragg's Masonic History
12:50 Masons and Being Captured Story

Links to video used in this episode:
➡️ https://youtu.be/Wd7fH1fY8Zw?si=YiGfKwkxUQbNADh_ - The US Army Channel

➡️ https://youtu.be/ugEys1lbicA?si=Z2vzUR-i7Zchx2Pn - CBS News Channel

⚠️ Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Old Fashion Masonic Podcast, any Grand Lodge or Shrine Center, and we encourage viewers to conduct their research and form their conclusions based on reliable sources and personal beliefs.

We get these questions often: What does the mysterious secret society of Freemasons actually do? Does this episode expose freemasonry and masonry? What about The New Order and The Illuminati? Is there a whole Secret world of Freemasons? We think not.

#masonic #freemasonry #freemason #freemasons #fortbragg #bragg #hero #specialforces