This browser does not support the Video element.
LONG ISLAND - Three-hundred and forty-eight Nassau County lives were taken, far too soon, in the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Surviving family members still have a difficult time reading their names twenty years later.
This year, Nassau County is unveiling a new addition to its already-existing 9/11 memorial at Eisenhower Park: A 6,500-pound, red granite monument that will pay tribute to fallen first responders who lost their lives years after joining the rescue and recovery operation.
RELATED: Suffolk County students plant flags for 9/11 anniversary
"This is to commemorate the first responders who have died since 9/11. Too many of them have died from 9/11 illness. Unfortunately, every day, we’re learning of new neighbors that we lost," Nassau County Executive Laura Curran tells Fox 5 News.
The monument is here to honor heroes like Oceanside NYPD Detective Luis Alvarez, who succumbed to a heroic battle with 9/11-related cancer in 2019.
His widow Alaine Alvarez attended the moving Thursday evening ceremony.
"This is very symbolic as to what we all stand for. Twenty years later, I remember the day completely," she says.
Days before entering hospice care, Alvarez testified before Congress on behalf of his fellow Ground Zero first responders.
Today, Lou’s brother Phil, a retired Suffolk County cop, remains committed to honoring his legacy.
"I miss him, but I think about all the families that didn’t get that time with their brother or their sister or their son or their daughter and I meet them all the time," he explains.
Long Island has dozens of 9/11 monuments stretching from North to South shore.
The Town of Hempstead is holding its annual Sunrise Memorial Service on Saturday morning at Point Lookout.
Get breaking news alerts in the free FOX5NY News app! | Sign up for FOX 5 email newsletters
MORE SEPTEMBER 11 COVERAGE:
Bruce Springsteen performs at the 9/11 ceremony
Obama hails the heroes of 9/11
The U.S. marks 20 years since 9/11
Biden, now president, to mark 9/11 rite amid new terror fear
9/11 fallout includes decades of worry about toxic WTC dust
Suffolk County students plant flags for 9/11 anniversary
9/11 responders and other workers pay it forward as volunteers
Ground zero rebuilding still unfinished, 20 years later
NYC's one murder from Sept. 11, 2001, remains unsolved 20 years later
Remembering Ronald Bucca, 'The Flying Fireman' | 9/11: 20 Years Later
Retired firefighter builds ceremonial truck to honor friend who died of 9/11 illness
NYPD increasing security for 9/11 ceremonies
Identifying World Trade Center remains continues 20 years after 9/11
NYPD treating 9/11 anniversary in 'elevated threat environment'
New DNA technology approved to identify remains of more than 1,100 victims of 9/11
9/11 as American History: Schoolteachers prepare lessons
'The Bravest' brew benefits 9/11 first responders
'Never Forget Walk' continues path to Ground Zero to mark 20th anniversary of 9/11
Surviving 9/11 was 'just the first piece of the journey'
20 years after 9/11, scars, pain from loss remain
Girl Scout captures emotional first-person stories for 9/11 documentary