"For every picture, every portrait on this wall, there are probably 1,000 children that are safe and alive today," says James Frazier, father of fallen Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Jacob Frazier.

Frazier spoke at the Portrait of a Soldier exhibit, unveiled this weekend at Rockford's Veterans Memorial Hall. The exhibition honors every Illinois soldier killed in action since September 11th, 2001 and it gives a face to those fallen heroes, like Army Specialist Norman Cain.

"I think the thing that bothers me is when a soldier falls eventually they become a number," says Spc. Cain's wife Brigette Cain. "It's well we've lost this many from the state, or this many from the unit and what people need to understand is, maybe you didn't know them, but they were somebody very, very special to somebody else."

Governor Pat Quinn says this memorial has special significance following Thursday's fatal shooting rampage at the Fort Hood, Texas Army Base, where two Illinois soldiers were killed.

"I think all of Illinois and all of America, we were saddened by the tragedy that occurred at Fort Hood and it's our duty, especially now around Veterans Day, to thank all those who wear the uniform of our country," says Governor Quinn.

Quinn also attended Saturday's funeral for Stockton soldier Devin Michel.

"I think it's important to bear witness to a true hero," says Quinn.

The Gold Star families gathered at Memorial Hall say it breaks their hearts to watch other local families lose a loved one to war.

Craig Belk, father of Rockford Sgt. Blake Evans says, "It kinda rekindles the pain a little bit. It gives me an opportunity to go out and reach out to that family, knowing what they're going through and to be able to try to offer some comfort to them."

"It's a very humbling experience to see all these photos and you know that you're not alone," says Brigette Cain. "Remember who these people are, what they've given up for you and me to just be able to be standing here today."

The families we spoke to all said they still support the War on Terror, partly as a way to honor their loved one's service. But they want the troops to come home quickly and safely.

Governor Quinn said he stands by whatever President Obama chooses regarding sending more troops to Afghanistan.

The Portrait of a Soldier exhibit was only in Rockford Saturday and Sunday. It has now traveled to more than 45 cities and towns throughout Illinois and features more than 220 hand-drawn portraits.