By now, it’s a familiar story of how one voice can make a difference.
A Gold Star mother speaks out at a forum on the plan to change the name of Fort Bragg, a Fayetteville institution and national treasure.
“My son didn’t die for Bragg,” said Patti Elliott. “My son died for liberty.”
As did thousands of other American soldiers who have passed through the gates of the military installation that’s the world’s largest by population, having opened in 1918 as Camp Bragg.
And on June 2, 2023, the new name became official: Fort Liberty.
Patti Elliott’s son, Army Spc. Daniel Lucas Elliott, died in combat.
“It would not surprise him in the least, that I had my say and stood up for what I believe,” Elliott said. “But I hope that he’s incredibly proud. That’s what I hope — he’s sitting up there (in heaven) saying, ‘That’s my mama.’”
Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of the 18th Airborne Corps, praised Patti Elliott during the redesignation ceremony.
“She had the intestinal fortitude, the guts, to challenge everybody to raise our conscious,” Donahue said. “This post is more than a name. In fact, Liberty has always been here.
“This community and all of us were given a mission, and we accomplished it. … We’re in the United States Army. We do what we’re told to do, and we make it better.”
