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Walking in the Footsteps of My Grandfather: A Veterans Day Tribute from Bristol, England
Sometimes travel connects us to more than a destination—it connects us to our family history. During our visit to Bristol, England, we reflected on the World War II service of my grandfather, Ezell Howard Taft Jackson, and the remarkable legacy of the 643rd Port Company. This Veterans Day, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and enduring contributions of these African American soldiers while celebrating the powerful connection between heritage, family, and purposeful travel.
FAITH & PURPOSEREFLECTIONS & MILESTONES
Tamara Driver
11/11/20262 min read
Sometimes, our travels take us to beautiful places. Other times, they bring us closer to the people who helped shape our lives. ❤️ Earlier this year, Wayne and I visited Bristol, England. For most travelers, Bristol is a fascinating British city filled with history and culture. But for me, this visit meant something much deeper.
My grandfather, Ezell Howard Taft Jackson, served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a member of the 643rd Port Company, an African American military unit responsible for moving supplies and equipment essential to the Allied war effort. Through our family history research, including a remarkable unit history published by William B. Black in 1947, we have discovered records documenting the company's service in South Wales and other parts of England.
Although we are still researching whether my grandfather personally spent time in Bristol, knowing that Wayne and I were traveling through a region so closely connected to his military service made the experience especially meaningful. Imagine that! More than 80 years later, his granddaughter was exploring a part of the world where he and his fellow soldiers had served their country.
As I reflect on that connection, I think about the sacrifices these men made. They served with dignity and courage during a time when they were not afforded equal treatment at home. Growing up, I knew these men through the wonderful reunions of the 643rd Port Company. There was laughter, fellowship, prayer, and an unmistakable sense of pride. Only as I grew older did I fully appreciate the extraordinary legacy they were passing down to us. Today, Wayne and I travel the world with a renewed appreciation for how history, family, and faith connect us across generations.
On this Veterans Day, I honor my grandfather, the men of the 643rd Port Company, and every veteran who has served our nation.
Their service is part of our history. Their legacy is part of our journey.
We invite you to read our family tribute, Honoring the 643rd Port Company: Family, Faith, and Reunions That Made History, published on The Driver Research Group: https://thedriverresearchgrp.com/honoring-the-643rd-port-company-family-faith-and-reunions-that-made-history
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