LULAC TO AMERICA: DO NOT ERASE PROGRESS — OUR COUNTRY'S MILITARY BASES MUST KEEP THEIR NEW NAMES

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Urges Trump Administration to be All-Inclusive in Honoring Its Servicemember Heroes

Washington, D.C. – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) strongly urges the Department of Defense to preserve the newly renamed military bases and resist any effort to use confusing semantics that disguise the original namesake or deny honoring heroes from historically ignored communities.

"We cannot and will not allow our military to backslide into failing to honor all communities that have served proudly and honorably," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "The renaming of America's bases was a long-overdue correction, and any attempt to change the names is an insult to the brave service members of today who come from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities."

LULAC appreciates the ongoing partnership with the Department of Defense and looks forward to working together to ensure that military institutions reflect the values of all Americans. Bases such as Fort Cavazos, Fort Johnson, Fort Moore, Fort Novosel, Fort Eisenhower, Fort Gregg-Adams, Fort Walker, and Fort Barfoot honor the true American dream and heroes who fought for freedom and unity.

"We stand by the Naming Commission's well-researched and rightful decisions," continued Palomares. "To turn back now and reinstate names like Fort Bragg, albeit after a WWII soldier who served with distinction, dishonors the Gold Star Mothers and families who were explicitly recognized when it was renamed Fort Liberty. We must move forward, not backward."

LULAC also highlights the importance of broad representation within the armed forces. Latino and African American military heroes have finally received recognition through these base renamings. The military should not only reflect the demographics of our nation but should also ensure that all service members feel valued and respected.

"We cannot have military bases named solely after White Anglo males, particularly those who betrayed our nation by fighting for the Confederacy," said Lawrence "Larry" Romo, LULAC National Board Member and Vice President for Veterans Affairs. "We honor those who defended America, not those who took up arms against it. General Richard Cavazos, a Medal of Honor recipient and a true American hero epitomized courage in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, while John Bell Hood was a Confederate traitor. The contrast is clear—one deserves honor, the other does not."

LULAC calls on Secretary of Defense Hegseth to uphold progress and ensure that these renamed bases remain symbols of unity and patriotism for all Americans, including millions whose heroes have been overlooked.

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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.