Ceremony held at new September 11th memorial in Point Lookout, Long Island

POINT LOOKOUT, Long Island (WABC) -- Nearly 500 people from Long Island died on September 11th, 2001, and each year people gather in Point Lookout to remember them.

The spirit of this year's ceremony was as it's always been - solemn.

"Yes I lost my father at the age of 13 doing what he loved doing best, being an FDNY fireman, but we are all here today because we were all touched or affected one way or another," said Bobby Gies, whose father died on 9/11.

This year the annual service took on a more official tone, taking place at the newly erected permanent memorial just off the entrance to the beach.

It features a 30-foot tall beam from the North Tower and the names of the victims etched on plaques.

"Oh it's beautiful. They did a beautiful job," said Wantagh resident Janice Imbrogno.

"It's a peaceful place," said Susan Sliwak, whose husband died on 9/11. "The beach has always brought me peace. My husband and I used to always go to the beach even with the kids, so it's nice."

It also features the names of those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses.

Monday, people heard from the family of their hero, Ray Pfeifer. Pfeifer fought tirelessly for the Zadroga Act. He died in May from cancer.

"When the call came he answered it," said his sister, Maryellen Pfeifer. "He always put the needs of others first. That's what made him one of the finest firemen ever. He had 16 years longer in this life than his best friends did. He stayed on that pile to find each of them."

And those are the stories people here say they will never let escape from their memory.

"16 years, 16 years, we have not forgotten, we will stand, we will continue to rebuild and we will forever march forward," said Rev. Eric Mallette of Greater Second Baptist Church.

190 residents of the Town of Hempstead lost their lives on 9/11.