1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

The president's decision to restore Confederate names to military bases is a blatant embrace of racism and betrayal of American values. Confederate leaders fought to preserve the abhorrent institution of slavery and committed treason against the United States. Honoring traitors who waged war to perpetuate human bondage is an insult to all who have served honorably in our nation's armed forces. This move undermines unit cohesion, morale, and recruiting efforts by signaling that bigotry and injustice are acceptable. True American heroes represent the highest ideals we strive for – equal rights, human dignity, and the unity of all citizens. Celebrating those who fought against these principles denigrates our military's global standing as a force for good. Military bases should bear names that unite rather than divide. They must inspire the next generation to embody our nation's best values, not its historical failings. I urge a reversal of this misguided decision that dishonors our troops and the sacrifices made to form a more perfect union. Our military deserves to serve under the banners of American patriots, not racist insurrectionists.