Intro
Discover the truth about the Fort Bliss renaming controversy. Learn about the proposed name change, the reasoning behind it, and the impact on the community. Get the latest updates on the U.S. Armys efforts to rebrand the base, honoring a new namesake while respecting its rich history and legacy.
The renaming of Fort Bliss, a United States Army post located in El Paso, Texas, has been a topic of discussion and controversy in recent years. The fort, which was established in 1849, has a rich history and has played a significant role in the country's military past. However, its namesake, General William Wallace Smith Bliss, has been criticized for his involvement in the Mexican-American War and his views on slavery.
In 2020, the United States Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a provision requiring the Secretary of Defense to rename military bases and other installations that were named after Confederate generals or other individuals who "supported the Confederate States of America." While Fort Bliss was not originally named after a Confederate general, its namesake's legacy has been reevaluated in light of modern sensitivities.
The History of Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss has a long and storied history that dates back to 1849, when it was established as a U.S. Army post during the Mexican-American War. The fort was originally located in the Rio Grande Valley and was used as a base for U.S. troops during the war. In 1854, the fort was relocated to its current location in El Paso, Texas, where it has remained ever since.
Over the years, Fort Bliss has played a significant role in the country's military history, serving as a base for U.S. troops during the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. In the 1950s and 1960s, the fort was used as a training base for soldiers during the Korean War and Vietnam War.
Who Was General William Wallace Smith Bliss?
General William Wallace Smith Bliss was a career military officer who served in the U.S. Army for over 30 years. He was born in 1815 in Massachusetts and graduated from West Point in 1833. Bliss served in the Mexican-American War and later became a staff officer for General Zachary Taylor.
After the war, Bliss returned to the United States and became a lawyer. He later served as a congressman from Louisiana and was a strong supporter of the institution of slavery.
The Renaming Process
In 2020, the U.S. Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a provision requiring the Secretary of Defense to rename military bases and other installations that were named after Confederate generals or other individuals who "supported the Confederate States of America."
The renaming process is expected to take several years and will involve the input of local communities, military leaders, and other stakeholders. The process will also involve the creation of a new name for the fort that is more in line with modern values and sensitivities.
Potential New Names for Fort Bliss
There are several potential new names for Fort Bliss that have been proposed, including:
- Fort El Paso: This name would reflect the fort's location in El Paso, Texas, and its rich history in the region.
- Fort Bliss-Fort Campbell: This name would honor the fort's current namesake, while also reflecting its new status as a joint military base.
- Fort Borderland: This name would reflect the fort's location on the U.S.-Mexico border and its role in protecting national security.
The Impact of the Renaming
The renaming of Fort Bliss is expected to have a significant impact on the local community, as well as the military as a whole. The renaming process will involve the input of local residents, military leaders, and other stakeholders, and will reflect the changing values and sensitivities of modern society.
The renaming of Fort Bliss is also expected to have a positive impact on the military's diversity and inclusion efforts. By renaming the fort, the military is acknowledging its past mistakes and taking steps to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all service members.
Conclusion
The renaming of Fort Bliss is a complex and multifaceted issue that reflects the changing values and sensitivities of modern society. While the process is expected to take several years, it is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all service members.
As the renaming process moves forward, it is essential to remember the rich history and legacy of Fort Bliss. The fort has played a significant role in the country's military past, and its renaming should reflect its new status as a joint military base.
Fort Bliss Renaming Image Gallery
We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and opinions on the renaming of Fort Bliss. Do you think the renaming is a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all service members? Or do you think the renaming is unnecessary and could have negative consequences? Let us know in the comments below.