HUDSON — Residents paused to remember on Memorial Day.

A new stone dedicated to troops serving after Sept. 11, 2001, was added to the recently dedicated 9/11 Memorial in Benson Park on Monday. The memorial commemorates all the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. People gathered on the lawn surrounding the structure for the morning's ceremony.

“I hope this stone serves as a reminder to everyone that every day is Veterans Day,” said Roger Coutu, chairman of the Board of Selectmen.

American Legion Post 48 Commander Valerie Harnadek told the audience that from the time of the American Revolution to the global war on terror over a million men and woman have died to protect American ideals. Troops, mostly younger than 25, continue to die in combat, training accidents and missions around the world. The missions end, Harnadek said, but the pain of losing a loved one does not.

“The empty seat at the dinner table, the smaller gathering at Thanksgiving, the voice of a loved one heard only as a distant memory, are constant reminders that they are gone,” Harnadek said.

The sacrifice is made so other families won't have to suffer, Harnadek said.

The names of 37 soldiers from New Hampshire who died in the line of duty were recited, followed by a gun salute. A wreath was laid in front of the new stone.

By late afternoon a new crowd was waiting on the town common as the annual parade stopped there to continue the Memorial Day ceremonies.

“It's heartwarming to know you citizens have taken time out to remember fallen soldiers,” said guest speaker Lt. Colonel Robert Macaraeg.

It is a day to remember all servicemen, Macaraeg said, but he asked people to think of America's World War II veterans whose numbers are dwindling. Only about 1.7 million of the 16 million who served during that war are still alive, Macaraeg said. Their average age is 86.

A roll call of fallen New Hampshire servicemen and woman was called. Empty boots were placed in front of the war memorial to represent soldiers lost in combat.

The Hudson Post 48 American Legion Firing Squad fired three rounds after a wreath was placed in front of the memorial. Silence fell as taps was played.

The crowd dissipated shortly after the ceremony ended. David O'Descoteaus, of Lowell, Mass., was visiting his children in Hudson but decided to take the time to acknowledge America's troops.

“It's important to come out and support the people who are protecting us,” O'Descoteaus said.