Sen. Ken Donnelly was the host for a recent event that brought state leaders together with the families of Massachusetts service men and women killed in action during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The event was to unveil Operation: Home Ties’ "Faces of Remembrance," an exhibit that includes individual portraits of each military personnel and was on display at the State House through June 19.

Attending the event along with the families of the service men and women were Gov. Deval Patrick, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, Secretary of Veterans’ Services Tom Kelley and Rep. Harold Naughton Jr., co-chair with Senator Donnelly of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and a veteran of the Iraq conflict.

“These portraits represent our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, our mothers and fathers,” said Representative Naughton, “We should always remember the stories that they have to tell.”

In a fitting tribute to the fallen heroes, the opening ceremony included a performance by the Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes & Drums and the National Guard posted the colors. Ten-year-old Canton resident Oladunni Oladipo sang the National Anthem.

“The faces that now replace the names on the list of our fallen hometown heroes may have been drawn by my hand and the exhibit brought to life with the help of my brother Paul,” said Gina Johnson. “But we both acknowledge that this ‘pay it forward’ project and its presentation today have been made possible through the efforts of so many caring individuals. Together we hope that the sacrifice made by these soldiers and their families will never be forgotten.”

Operation: Home Ties’ “Faces of Remembrance,” is a free exhibit displayed at Doric Hall in the Massachusetts State House through June 19. The exhibit can be viewed during regular State House hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.