Communities across the entire Island held ceremonies honoring their friends, family and neighbors who lost their lives 19 years ago in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Among them was a touching ceremony at Heckscher Park in Huntington. The 43 names that were lost from the area the day were read aloud, followed by the ringing of a bell for each.

Families say it was important to come out and keep their memory glowing.

Forty-three roses were also placed at the memorial, where the names are remembered on a plaque.

Another ceremony was held in Smithtown. And with both of them came plenty of stories of those who are still dearly missed.

Among them is Thomas Kuveikis, who was a 48-year-old firefighter. His sister Kathy says the Smithtown ceremony makes things hurt a little bit less.

Scott Froehlich, of East Northport, proudly told people about how his father-in-law Phillip Hayes saved lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

"On that morning when the planes hit, he was involved in evacuating some of the children out of the day care and then he went back in the building to help with the evacuation. He was in the South Tower when the towers collapsed," says Froehlich.

In Huntington, two mothers showed their strength despite the pain that still lingers in their heart after losing their sons.

"We just want everybody to keep remembering this day and keep all these people in their hearts," says Linda Cavalier.