The ceremony on Saturday morning, Sept. 11, hosted by the Town of Hempstead at Point Lookout, gave those who breathed in the fresh ocean air of a late summer morning the opportunity to reflect on one of the nation's darkest days and recall the memories and heroism of those who perished.

A 15-foot high ice sculpture, crafted by Ice Sculptures, stood on the sand at Point Lookout, within sight of each of the residents of the town who came to honor a loved one.

The sun of a new day cast its glow upon the sculpture causing water to begin to drip. It was symbolic of the tears that were shed for the past three years and will continue to be shed for those who left behind families on Sept. 11.

"The wounds of September 11 can never really completely heal," said Town Supervisor Kate Murray "Indeed, the terrorists who attacked our nation three years ago broke our hearts. At the same time, our people have united as never before. The cowardly individuals who attempted to divide us as a people and destroy us as a nation completely failed. In fact, they have had the opposite effect, strengthening our resolve in the face of adversity."

It is appropriate that such a ceremony remembering and reflecting on the tragedy three years ago was held at the beach, where Murray said, many came and looked to the west on that day where smoke was rising, where the once proud twin towers stood.

Even three years later, Americans are mourning the losses suffered that day as the healing continues. Yet, there is also a hope for the future. Last Saturday, Murray said she was thinking about the children and the legacy they're left with from their mothers and fathers who perished on September 11. They are the hope for the future. "The destiny of our families and our nation can be seen in the faces of children, children who have had parents snatched from them in devastating fashion have spoken to me about hope and the future. They have been left a legacy of love and promise by the mothers and fathers who never returned from work on that fateful day," said the supervisor.

Speaking on behalf of the victim's families was Margie Miller, who lost her husband Joel, an employee of Marsh & McLennan, on Sept. 11. Miller spoke about the 3,000 new heroes who emerged three years ago. It will be the memories of the 3,000 heroes who died representing a nation that values diversity and individual freedom that will lead the country in the future.

After the ceremony concluded, those who attended walked down to the beach where each person cast a flower into the ocean. Then, everyone was invited to write a message and place it along with an American flag around the monument. A sea of American flags together was symbolic of the bond the victim's families have formed since the tragedy.

It was with these messages that the true impact of that day could be felt. One message said, "Dad, I love you always." Another said, "Rest in Peace. Our world will become better, but we won't forget."

A tribute to West Hempstead resident Bruce Boehm was placed, reading "If you do nothing else, you have to go in the water," alluding to his affinity for the beach and swimming.

Another message alluded to America's effort to combat terrorism as it read, "You will never be forgotten. The people of the U.S.A. will not let the terrorists make your death an empty one."

One message seemed to sum up every day that has passed since Sept. 11, 2001. It said, "To all those whose lives were taken so abruptly, you will forever be in our hearts. We will never forget."