Americans across the country will be gathering on Monday, September 11 in memory of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks five years ago, even as the families of those victims continue to struggle to rebuild their lives and to somehow live on without them.

"The truth is that time passes, but it does not get any easier," said Ralph Ascoli whose 31-year-old daughter Debra Mannetta was killed at the World Trade Center.

Ascoli is one of of forty two 9/11 Families from Babylon who have worked tirelessly over the past five years to build an enduring memorial at Cedar Beach. Constructed through private donations from individuals and companies, it joins with the sand and sea and celebrates the lives of each of the 42 people people who lived or had strong ties to the Town. But it also provides an enduring lesson, recounting the attacks, minute by minute, as visitors walk through the memorial, and fulfills one of the families' primary wishes. "They wanted to make sure that future generations, never forget," said Babylon Town Councilwoman Ellen McVeety.

"This year, they decided to hold a quiet ceremony on Sunday and to bury a time capsule that will be opened in 2025," said McVeety. "Each family should fill an envelope with things they want to have opened 20 years from now in the capsule."

Ascoli said he has decided what his envelope will contain but that it is personal. "It is between me and my daughter," he said.

For Christine (Watt) Kellar, who grew up in Massapequa Park and whose brother-in-law, New York City Firefighter Terence McShane of West Islip died at the World Trade Center, comfort comes in the form of music and in song. She recorded a CD in Terence's honor, which includes the lyrics: What made you walk into the fire; what made you run into the sea; what made you smile that smile was what made you dear to me.

Terence coached a soccer team and played Rugby with the Long Island Rugby Club.He was happiest however, said Kellar, when he was spending time with his wife Cathy and the couple's three boys.

Other families look to remember the lives of their loved ones by establishing scholarships in their names. Timothy and Thomas Haskill, and George Cain were New York City firefighters who gave up

their lives trying to save the lives of others at the Twin Towers and are remembered with scholarships in their names at Massapequa High School.

Brothers John and Joseph Vigiano, both New York City firefighters, lost their lives September 11 and their parents John and Jan of Deer Park have found some solace in working extensively to help other fire department families and the military personnel fighting the war on terror.

Others are memorialized with streets named in their honor. New York City Police Sgt. Timothy Roy of Massapequa Park always took off the first day his children went to school, enjoying being a part of their rite of passage to adulthood. On September 11, 2001, his youngest, Timothy Jr., was heading off to kindergarten, but his dad had to make a court appearance on a case he handled as a police officer. He left that morning promising his son he would be home early to hear all about that special day.

Roy died at the Twin Towers after hearing about the attacks as he exited the court building to head home. Instead he rushed to the scene to help. Now Fulton Street in Massapequa Park bears his name and memory.

In Amityville, Peter O'Neill, a former Junior volunteer firefighter in the Amityville Fire Department and who loved the out of doors, is remembered with a memorial park lovingly restored in his hometown. In Babylon Village and Lindenhurst Village there are quiet, restorative memorials where people can sit quietly and reflect.

The five-year anniversary of the attacks brings Americans together again as a nation assaulted by hatred, and as individuals still feeling the pain, despite, as Ascoli said, the passage of time.

Following is a list of some of the services planned throughout the area for Monday, September 11.

In Amityville, residents will gather at the 9/11 Memorial Park on Broadway at 5 p.m. for a service.

In Babylon Town, services will be held at the Town's 9/11 Memorial between Overlook and Cedar Beaches, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 147 Park Ave., Amityville will be holding a memorial service at 7:30 p.m. The service will include prayer and reflection.

In Massapequa Park village a Candlelight vigil will be held at Brady Park, Lake Shore Drive, 7 p.m.