Long Islanders pay tribute to 9/11 victims

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - Beneath a clear blue sky at Point Lookout in Nassau County, Carol Gies remembered her husband, FDNY Lt. Ronnie Gies, who died in the south tower on 9/11. Her son Bobby spoke during Monday's memorial ceremony remembering the father he lost 16 years ago to the day.

Year after year, friends and family gather at Point Lookout to honor the lives of 455 Long Islanders who died on 9/11 and the lives lost to 9/11-related illnesses.

The memorial ceremony was held on the same beach where hundreds of residents gathered on September 11, 2001, to look westward toward Lower Manhattan watching in horror as the Manhattan skyline -- and their lives -- changed forever.

This year, a permanent memorial was unveiled. It is a heartfelt tribute to all of the lives lost. Victims' names are etched on the monument wall. With pencils in hand, friends and family traced over the names of their loved ones.

The memorial also includes a 30-foot beam from the north tower.

The Point Lookout memorial is a place where people can come year-round to pay their respects.