My name is Lt. Col. Sandy Sadler, native of Natchez, 1986 graduate of North Natchez High.

On this Veterans Day weekend, I’m honored to be a part of a family of soldiers both past and present. Today, two men and their families have become part of my life each day.

Though I never met Army Sgt. Todd Partridge or Cpl. Henry L. Brown, soldiers who have answered the call to duty with a willingness to serve and sacrifice preserve the freedom and rights we all enjoy.

As such, we must do all we can to take care of family members who sacrifice so much for our nation.

Each year, Veterans Day is a day we strive to ensure our service members understand how deeply we appreciate the sacrifices they have made to keep our country free.

I wanted to write to the family and the community of Natchez, a town with a well-deserved spotlight on a small — 1 percent — population of patriots.

I would like to express my gratitude for Sgt. Partridge and Cpl. Brown’s years of service to this nation and willingness to shoulder a burden, with little complaint. Their bravery and sacrifice have not gone without notice.

I must nonetheless acknowledge that in serving America, both of Sgt. Partridge and Cpl. Brown have served me and all the citizens of Natchez.

I know that I am but one leader, and there are limits to what I can achieve.

I know that this war cannot last forever and will eventually exist only as lessons for future generations to appreciate or ignore.

My hope is that one day the City of Natchez will dedicate a great monument to honor the thousands of young men and women like Sgt. Partridge and Cpl. Brown who perished in this 10-year war.

A far greater tribute that I will give as a military leader to honor these two special soldiers is dedicating my leadership with equal solemnity to peace and justice, so that no such monuments would be needed again.

On this special weekend, I would also ask that you share your thoughts, your thanks and your reflections on our military men and women, most of all the families that are left behind.

Lt. Col. Sandy Sadler is a Natchez native serving in the U.S. Army.