WINDHAM — Residents and town officials gathered at the fire station on Tuesday morning to recognize the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“Words spoken today are not enough to honor those lost on Sept. 11 or for the thousands of others who made the supreme sacrifice,” said Fire Chief Tom McPherson. “To honor them, we must continue this tradition.”

A small crowd of residents, town officials and public safety officers gathered outside of the fire house on Fellows Road at 8:30 a.m. for the ceremony. Assistant Fire Chief Edward Morgan opened the ceremony, and Deputy Chief William Martineau read the Firefighters Prayer to begin. McPherson reminded the audience that 343 firefighters, 23 New York police officers, 11 medics, one FBI agent and 37 port authority officers were among those who lost their lives that morning.

“We pause to pay respect for the countless lives that were lost and still affected to this day by the terrible events of this tragedy, not only in New York City, but from the Pentagon in Washington to Shanksville, Pennsylvania,” McPherson said.

He thanked the service men and women who died serving the country and those who continue to serve today.

First responders must always be prepared for their role, whether it is a terrorist attack or other disaster, McPherson said.

“They respond without regard to race, creed, social or economic status,” McPherson said. “They respond and serve neighbors and strangers alike.”

After McPherson's remarks, firefighter Patrick Robertson read a poem written in remembrance of the attack victims. Lt. Jim Brown rang a ceremonial bell to signify the loss of life. Lt. William Brown lowered the American flag to half-staff.

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