A bell rang 76 times Wednesday morning in the Manhasset Valley Park, with each tolling of the bell symbolizing a resident or former resident of the Town of North Hempstead who died during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

“It has been 23 years since that tragic date, yet the memories of those terrorist attacks are still fresh in our minds,” Islamic Center of Long Island President Isma Chaudhry said.

The town held a memorial service for the 23rd anniversary of the attacks, honoring the lives lost that day, the lives lost in the years following and to reflect on the unity that it drew across communities.

The memorial included the presentation of colors and rifle salute by the Albertson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5253, an invocation by Father Anthony Fillipe of Church of Saint Mary, a poem read by Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips and remarks by Rabbi Anchin Perl of Chabad of Mineola and Chaudhry.

A moment of silence was held at 8:46 a.m. and 9:03 a.m. to signify the times when planes crashed into the Twin Towers in Manhattan.

The names of the 58 North Hempstead residents killed in the attacks were read aloud, with the ding of a bell proceeding each one. An additional 18 names were read for those who were from the town but had lived elsewhere at the time of their death or later succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses.

Almost 3,000 people died 23 years ago in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. This included more than 400 first responders.

But in the years that followed, more individuals have died due to 9/11-related illnesses and have outnumbered the number of people who died on the day of the attacks.

The town also honored these individuals, which Supervisor Jennifer DeSena called a “toxic legacy” of the terrorist attacks.

“Their selflessness and dedication continue to inspire us and remind us of the strength of the human spirit,” Perl said of the first responders.

First responders to the terrorist attacks were asked to stand and be honored, including District 2 Council Member Ed Scott, a former New York Police Department sergeant who responded to the attacks.

While the attacks were a demonstration of what Perl described as the “fragility of life,” he said remembering the day also shows the power of unity and love.

“May we continue to build a future where hope prevails under fear, where empathy guides our actions and where we stand united as one people, regardless of our differences,” Perl said.

Chaudhry highlighted the heroism of the ordinary person that day who stepped up to help. She said this showed the world “the true strength and resilience of the American spirit.”

Chaudhry said this “spirit” can and should continue to this day.

“May we draw strength from the 9/11 spirit of unity and dignity to confront the challenges of our present-day society, where we have to make a promise every day to change our neighborhoods and stand up to hate, bigotry and all forms of extremism,” Chaudhry said.

DeSena thanked the town staff responsible for hosting the memorial, but extended her greatest thanks to the people who attended to honor the lives lost of those they loved.

“I cannot imagine your pain, but assure you that your presence is a gift,” DeSena said. “It not only honors the memory of those victims, it helps our great nation to remember, to reflect and to refocus on what really matters. By joining us, you bring this community together. You allow us the honor of being called your North Hempstead family.”

DeSena described the “North Hempstead family” as one that stands united “shoulder to shoulder” as they support one another through hardships.

But in the day of tragedy, hope bloomed, DeSena said.

“It was the strength of our human hearts, the resurgence of the American spirit, the unified and unwavering belief that despite the attacks, despite the destruction, despite the heartache that no one could or would sway us from our ideals,” DeSena said. “And even before the dust settled, we put aside our differences and came together stronger, more unified and more dedicated to protecting our democracy, our freedom and our way of life.”