SOUTH BEND -- A Wakarusa soldier made the ultimate sacrifice and now his family is preparing to say goodbye.

Sgt. Travis Hunsberger was killed last month by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. His body was brought back to the area Sunday. The Wakarusa community came out to show their support for the fallen hero.

Like many parents, Brenda and John Gawthrop want to teach their children about the cost of freedom. And on this Fourth of July weekend, their daughters learned that lesson in their own back yard.

"This is probably where Travis is right there," said Brenda Gawthrop, pointing to the hearse in the procession.

Dozens of people lined the streets in downtown Wakarusa as a fallen hero returned to the place he called home.

"It's hard because he's a local," said Wakarusa resident Paul Blosser.

"He was just an amazing friend and this is a great honor for him," said family friend Ryan Wise.

As the procession went by silence filled the air. It gave a community a chance to thank Travis for his bravery and service to our country.

"To pay my final respects and tell him job well done," said Blosser.

"It's nice to see a community so small come together to really support the family and get them through this rough time,” said Wakarusa resident Brooke Casteel.

And for the Gawthrops, it showed their children the reality of sacrifice. And without it we wouldn't have freedoms we have today.

"And we take so much for granted, and until an unfortunate situation like this has occurred, we don't realize how much it has touched not only his family, but us as Americans with the freedom that we have," said John Gawthrop.

Visitation for Travis Hunsberger will be held Monday at Nappanee Missionary Church from 2 to 8 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. The funeral will begin at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Hunsberger will be buried at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.