It has been five years since the attack that replaced the Twin Towers with Ground Zero and in one workday morning forever changed the world. The annual September 11 Memorial Service sponsored by area clergy was again a reminder that while all have had their worldview shattered, some have shattered personal lives as well. It is still the most powerful moment in the ceremony, when individuals are invited to ascend the steps of the gazebo and voice the name of a loved one-parent, child, spouse, relative, friend or co-worker-and the line is always way too long.

It has been five years and no one was sure how many candles would flicker on the Mary Jane Davies Green in remembrance of those lost, far too many from one small community. But the community remembered and the park was full, with close to 400 people standing quietly, shoulder to shoulder, bolstering each other, honoring those who perished. Manhasset High School ninth-grader Samantha Pina said it well, "The town holding it shows respect and that we're all thinking of them." Aida Ferman didn't lose a relative on September 11th but felt, "It is such a sad occasion. I didn't lose anyone in the family but I come every year because we should always remember, we should never forget."

The Rev. Msgr. John McCann, St. Mary's Church, began the service by saying all were gathered in support of each other and that each was in a different place in the healing process. He said the gathering was not just to pray for ourselves but to pray that people never use the life of another to further political agendas. He hoped that the sacredness of each life would be preached in town squares throughout the world. The Rev. David Lowry, Christ Episcopal Church, encouraged all gathered that evening to remember those who died, those who simply traveled into the city that day to work and found death and destruction instead. He said those who lost loved ones had had their hearts broken for this extended period of time. He also said, "this year especially we should pray for those who responded with zeal and love and now face illness both emotional and physical, pray that we can support them now, and in years to come."

Other's participating in the ceremony were: Rabbi Todd Chizner, Temple Judea; Rev. Father Evan Evangelidis, Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church; Rev. Dr. Paul Johnson, Unitarian Universalist Congregation; Rev. Stuart Clark and Mr. Victor Lee, Community Reformed Church; Rev. Jimmy Only, Congregational Church; Rev. Raymond Ormand, Church of Our Savior Lutheran; Pastor Steven Tomlinson, Shelter Rock Church and Rabbi Jodie Siff, Reconstructionist Synagogue.

The Manhasset High School Ensemble directed by Mark Van Schenkhof performed during the memorial service.

At each segment of the ceremony the focus this year encompassed both the enduring pain of personal loss and the pain of a country mired in the aftermath of the attacks. Marcia D'Angelo said thoughtfully, "It's really changed our lives, but we will all carry on. We're a very strong nation."

It was the first memorial service for Joanne Kesten who moved recently from California, although she grew up in New York. "This is the first September 11th I've been in New York, so it seemed important that I come."