Long Island Ducks fans gathered at Citibank Stadium in Central Islip Thursday, the future site of a Sept. 11 memorial, to pay respects to those killed in the terrorist attacks.

A special ceremony opened the Ducks? game against the Somerset Patriots. The names of the 451 Long Island residents who perished on Sept. 11, including office workers and first responders, were read aloud.

Ducks fans attending the game say Thursday?s remembrance ceremonies and the media focus on the terrorist attacks are like reliving the attacks, but that it?s a necessary reminder.

?I hate the word closure,? Kathy DiPietro, of North Massapequa, says. ?Hopefully we will all be safe again like we were on Sept. 10.?