U.S. Marines lead charge in rooting out racism in military ranks

Does Confederate symbolism have a place in today’s U.S. military? That question echoes a complex debate that continues to evolve in broader society. But for America’s top Marine, the answer is simple.

Last week, the United States Marine Corps took a step toward rooting out racism in military ranks.

With the decision to ban troops from having Confederate paraphernalia on bases, Gen. David Berger, the nation’s top Marine, weighed in decisively on the side of those who argue that today, these items are more likely to be emblems of...