The Legacy Of Pike Field: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Fort Liberty's Historic Parade Ground
Pike Field, a sprawling expanse of meticulously maintained turf in North Carolina, is more than just a parade ground; it is the beating heart of the U.S. Army’s most storied airborne unit. As of this December 2025 update, the field remains a central hub for monumental military ceremonies and community events, now officially situated on Fort Liberty, following the historic renaming from Fort Bragg. This location serves as the primary stage for the 82nd Airborne Division, symbolizing its heritage, operational readiness, and deep connection to the Fayetteville community.
The field's significance transcends its physical boundaries, acting as a sacred ground where paratroopers are welcomed home, commanders transfer authority, and the legacy of a true American hero is honored daily. Understanding Pike Field is to understand the soul of the All American Division and the enduring spirit of the U.S. Army’s premier fighting force.
Colonel Emory J. Pike: The Medal of Honor Namesake
Pike Field is named in eternal honor of a man whose courage exemplifies the highest ideals of the American soldier: Colonel Emory J. Pike. His story is one of selfless heroism, cementing his place not only in the history of the installation but in the annals of the U.S. Army.
Biography and Profile of Colonel Emory J. Pike
- Full Name: Emory Jenison Pike
- Rank at Death: Sergeant (awarded Medal of Honor posthumously)
- Posthumous Honor: Colonel (a rare honorific title bestowed posthumously)
- Date of Birth: November 13, 1876
- Place of Birth: Parkersburg, Iowa
- Date of Death: September 17, 1918
- Place of Death: Near Vandieres, France (during World War I)
- Unit: Company A, 132nd Infantry Regiment, 33rd Division (later associated with the 82nd Airborne Division lineage)
- Highest Award: Medal of Honor (awarded for actions on September 15, 1918)
- Medal of Honor Citation Summary: Sergeant Pike voluntarily and repeatedly exposed himself to heavy machine-gun and shell fire to carry messages and bring in wounded soldiers. He was mortally wounded while carrying a message from the front line to the rear, ensuring the critical information reached his command.
- Significance to Fort Liberty: He is the first Medal of Honor recipient in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division, making him a foundational figure for the "All American" Paratroopers.
Colonel Pike's actions during the Battle of St. Mihiel in World War I were a masterclass in dedication under fire. His selfless sacrifice, culminating in a fatal mission to deliver a crucial message, saved countless lives and inspired generations of soldiers. The Pike Field Memorial stands as a permanent tribute to his valor, ensuring his legacy is witnessed by every soldier and visitor to the installation.
Pike Field's Role in a New Era: Fort Liberty
The transition from Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty in 2023 marked a significant chapter in the installation's history. Pike Field, however, remains the undisputed epicenter of military ceremony and readiness. This continuity highlights its essential function, regardless of the post's name.
The field is strategically located on Ardennes Street, a central thoroughfare that connects the major operational and administrative areas of the installation. It is not merely a patch of grass; it is a meticulously maintained facility designed to accommodate thousands of paratroopers in formation, as well as heavy military equipment, including aircraft and artillery, often displayed during major events.
The Epicenter of Airborne Tradition
Pike Field serves as the historical and emotional anchor for the 82nd Airborne Division, the world's premier airborne fighting force. For paratroopers, the field is associated with both the highest honors and the most solemn farewells. It is here that the Division Run begins, a mass formation exercise that showcases the unity and physical prowess of the entire division. It is also the site of the legendary Airborne Review, a spectacular display of military discipline and firepower.
The field’s open space and central location make it the ideal venue for events that require large-scale public and military participation, symbolizing the strong bond between the military community and the surrounding Fayetteville, North Carolina area. Civilians often receive special access to the base to attend these ceremonies, bridging the gap between the armed forces and the public.
Major Events That Define Pike Field's Calendar
The annual calendar of Pike Field is packed with events that are critical to the operational and spiritual life of the 82nd Airborne Division. These ceremonies are not just formalities; they are deeply rooted traditions that reinforce the unit's identity and mission.
1. All American Week (AAW)
All American Week is the most anticipated annual event, bringing together current paratroopers, veterans, family members, and the community. Pike Field is the main stage for several key AAW activities, including:
- The Airborne Review: The capstone event where thousands of paratroopers stand in formation, reviewed by the Division Commander and often a high-ranking military or civilian dignitary. This event often features a "Pass and Review" ceremony.
- Division Run: While the run itself starts on Longstreet, the mass formation and gathering often center around the Pike Field area.
- 34-Foot Tower Operations: During AAW, opportunities are often provided near Pike Field for attendees to learn about airborne operations, including demonstrations or visits to the iconic 34-foot jump tower.
The 2025 All American Week, for example, is already scheduled to feature the Airborne Review prominently on Pike Field, continuing a tradition that was revitalized after a brief hiatus.
2. Change of Command Ceremonies
Pike Field is the traditional location for high-level Change of Command ceremonies, where the authority and responsibility of a command are formally transferred from one officer to another. These ceremonies are deeply symbolic, involving the passing of the unit colors and a formal parade. Recent examples include the 82nd DIVARTY (Division Artillery) and 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) Change of Command ceremonies held on the field, with events as recent as June 2024.
3. High-Stakes Training and Assessments
Beyond parades, the field is a critical training and assessment ground. It hosts major fitness evaluations, such as the Expert Physical Fitness Assessment (EPFA), which tests the physical ability of soldiers attempting to earn special badges. The field’s size and proximity to other training areas make it ideal for large-scale, division-level assessments. Furthermore, it has hosted competitions like the annual squad proficiency tests, reinforcing the paratroopers' warrior tasks and battle drills.
4. Community and Civilian Outreach
Pike Field regularly facilitates events designed to connect the military with the civilian world. The annual "Meet Your Army Day" brings high school students to Fort Liberty, giving them an immersive look at Army life and career opportunities, often utilizing the field for demonstrations and displays. It also hosts large public events, such as the Army's 250th birthday celebration and even family-friendly activities like the "Big Bounce" inflatable event, showcasing its dual role as both a sacred military ground and a community facility.
The Enduring Significance of Pike Field
The transition to Fort Liberty has only amplified the importance of Pike Field. It remains a powerful symbol of the American military's past, present, and future. The field’s namesake, Colonel Emory J. Pike, serves as a constant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice, while the daily activities—from training runs to formal reviews—underscore the operational readiness of the 82nd Airborne Division.
For paratroopers, the field is a place of pride, where years of hard work culminate in the Airborne Review. For military families, it's a place of emotional reunion, where loved ones line the edges to welcome home deploying soldiers. The Pike Field Memorial, with its tribute to the fallen, particularly those from the 3rd Brigade, ensures that the field is also a place of solemn remembrance, grounding the current generation of soldiers in the sacrifices of their predecessors.
Pike Field at Fort Liberty is truly a national landmark, a hallowed piece of North Carolina soil that continues to host history-making events. Its legacy is woven into the fabric of the U.S. Army, representing the unwavering commitment of the All American Division.
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