The Pentagon has initiated a significant change by replacing outdated bronze plaques at its entrances with new ones that reflect the updated name of the federal agency responsible for America’s military forces: the “Department of War.” This transition was marked by the unveiling of new plaques at two primary entry points — the River Entrance and the Mall Entrance — on the same day.
New Bronze Plaques at the Pentagon
The River Entrance, prominent as the grand entry facing the Potomac River, now features the fresh plaque. This entrance is crucial for welcoming dignitaries, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and international counterparts. The Mall Entrance, which overlooks the National Mall, also received an updated sign. Additionally, it is located near the Pentagon’s helicopter landing pads.
Rationale Behind the Name Change
Secretary Hegseth expressed that the updates were essential to communicate the seriousness of the agency’s name change. On September 5, 2023, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order reverting the Defense Department’s name back to the War Department, a title historically held from 1789 until 1947. The project aligns with a broader vision of American military strategy focused on winning conflicts.
Historical Context
The Pentagon, built from 1941 to 1943, originally housed the Department of War. Notably, the dedication stone at the Mall Entrance contains the phrase “War Department,” along with the names of notable historical figures, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson.
A New Ethos for Military Operations
Hegseth emphasized the importance of this name change in restoring historical recognition to the department. He noted that the rebranding is intended to enhance clarity about the military’s mission: to win wars and thereby deter them from occurring. This shift aims to revitalize the commitment to national security, focusing on an “America first, peace through strength” approach.
Specifications of the New Plaques
Each of the newly installed bronze plaques measures approximately 30 by 20 inches and weighs about 60 pounds. The previous “Department of Defense” plaques had adorned the Pentagon for over 70 years, marking a significant shift in the symbolic representation of U.S. military leadership.
- New Entrances: River Entrance, Mall Entrance
- New Agency Name: Department of War
- Historic Name Previous: Department of Defense
- Creation and Completion: Pentagon built from 1941 to 1943
- Weight of New Plaques: Roughly 60 pounds each
This transformation at the Pentagon signals a renewed commitment to the fundamental purpose of the military and sets the tone for future operations.
