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Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell : Photo by Av Harris. The images of military men and women from Connecticut killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will be traveling in a memorial throughout the state.

Since 9/11, 42 members of the armed forces from Connecticut or with strong ties to the state have been killed in the war on terror in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq. The latest to die, Sargent Jason Lantieri of Killingworth, was laid to rest on Thursday. The traveling memorial will feature a 10-minute video consisting of a photographic slide show with images of all the service members running to the soundtrack of the Nora Jones song America, I gave my best to you. Governor Jodi Rell says she hopes the memorial sends a somber but powerful message.

“We want our veterans to know we are there for them. Those who have served, we continue to make progress in helping them. But also for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, we want their families to know that they will never be forgotten, and we will do our part to remember them day in and day out.”

The memorial will start its tour in West Hartford, a town that has lost three service members in the last 6 years, including Marine Lance Corporal Larry Philipon who was killed in Iraq two years ago. His mother Lisa was on hand to unveil the memorial.

“It is our prayer that when every citizen looks upon these beautiful faces of valor, they will not feel pity. Instead, may the pride in which each of these heroes served and gave their lives fill each observer with courage and strength. And may the profound appreciation of each sacrifice be received and shared.”

Lisa Phillipon recounted how her family was informed of her son’s death by Marine Captain Brian Letendre, who lived in New Britain. Letendre’s face will also be displayed on the memorial, he was killed in Iraq in May of 2006.