Berrien County is remembering one of its own, who gave his life for his country.

25-year-old sergeant Daniel Frazier was killed in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan just over a week ago.

His body was flown back to Michiana Friday morning.

Sergeant Frazier’s family was expecting him back home soon for Christmas leave, and instead he returned home for the final time Friday.

Frazier leaves behind his parents, his six brothers and sisters and his wife, who he married just eight months ago.

It was a cold, windy, and solemnly quiet Friday morning as Sgt. Frazier’s flag-draped casket was lowered from a private jet at South Bend Regional Airport.

Family and friends huddled around the casket to share a moment with a man they remember as a happy child, a loving husband, and a hero.

“He went out defending his country and we want to make sure they're honored for his sacrifice… It's a sacrifice that (his family) will live with forever,” said Dennis Francis with the Patriot Guard of Northern Indiana, which led the procession Friday.

Sgt. Francis' body was taken in a procession from South Bend to Niles. There, scores of complete strangers were waiting.

“I don't know the gentleman, but I want to pay my respects to him and his family,” said Phil Mills, a Navy veteran who stood outside the funeral home to greet the procession Friday.

That’s what America is, he gives his own for others. That's why we're such a great country,” said Harry Noecker, who also felt the need to be there on Friday despite having no ties to the family.

There are reports Frazier and another soldier saved dozens of lives in their deaths, during a suicide bomb attack last Thursday.

“They died for a cause, and their cause was to save a whole lot of their brothers in arms,” Francis said.

For the children who were there to greet the hero Friday morning, there are hopes it may help them understand.

“(My mom) said it was important that I come down here and watch because he was serving our country for us so we can be free,” said Sarah Dunnem, whose mother brought her to downtown Niles to see the procession.

“Everybody thinks this war is something you see on TV, and you don't think of it too much until you have a small community that loses somebody. Then you start realizing what the sacrifice of was is. Our freedoms are paid for in blood,” Francis said.

Frazier was a 2003 graduate of St. Joseph High School in Michigan, was born in Berrien Springs, and had also lived in Niles.

He enlisted in the Army in 2006, and his brother was also in the service.

Frazier was serving his second tour of duty when he was killed in Afghanistan.

Hundreds are expected at services for Sgt. Frazier in the coming days.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29th at Brown funeral home; 521 E Main St. in Niles.

The funeral will be Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Michiana Christian Embassy; 1922 E Main St. in Niles.

Frazier will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, with full military honors.

Governor Jennifer Granholm has ordered all flags to fly at half-staff across Michigan on Monday in Sgt. Frazier's honor.