Tears were shed and hugs were exchanged in Eisenhower Park Sunday as family and friends gathered to remember their loved ones who died on 9/11.

In the shadow of the Nassau County's 9/11 memorial, more than 300 names were read aloud so they will never be forgotten.

One of those names was New York State Court's Sgt. Tommy Jergans, who was the nephew of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

"We all agree that it doesn't get any easier, but what is comforting is events like we are doing tonight," Blakeman said.

Retired FDNY firefighter and Nassau resident Bob Beckwith helped lead the Pledge of Allegiance. He stood next to then-President George W. Bush at ground zero during the famous "bull horn speech."

Beckwith said even 21 years later, he's still amazed he participated in a part of history.

"First of all, I didn't believe it, and then I am standing with the president," Beckwith recalled.

Though the ceremony was meant to honor the Long Islanders who paid the ultimate price during the terror attacks, it was also meant to be uplifting and introspective with a performance from tenor Chris Macchio, who sang "Ave Maria."

After the ceremony, guests were invited to take roses and place them at the county's Sept. 11 memorial.

"I was happy I was here tonight. I wish it didn't rain, it was a good night... we'll walk over and place the flowers and it will be the end of another year of remembering," said Plainview resident Vicki Turestki.

The Nassau County police aviation unit was supposed to do a memorial fly-over of the ceremony, but some last-minute bad weather grounded the helicopters.