A 25-year-old Lowcountry soldier is being remembered.

Outside the Taylor's Hanahan home, patriotism is proudly on display, but inside there's a realization. Freedom can have a painful cost.

"I think we're still in shock, " said Kim Taylor, Matthew's mother. "He was very very proud of what he did and what he represented, and we were proud," she said.

Kim and Don Taylor have feared the worst for the last seven years. Then Sunday, their son, Army Staff Sergeant Matthew Taylor was fatally wounded while on foot patrol in Baghdad. He was serving his third and what was supposed to be his final tour.

"He was ready to be home. He would have been home in 61 days," said Kim.

Taylor had attended Fort Dorchester, where he was the band's drum major. Four months after graduation, Taylor found himself in a new uniform. He enlisted the day after 9/11.

"Him, like many others were absolutely horrified by the events of that day and felt a duty and an honor," said Don Taylor, Matthew's father.

Taylor called home as much as he could. Dad says he was never negative and always focused.

"He was able to walk that line between being a warrior who goes out and protects our freedoms and being a loving father," said Don.

Taylor's wife will now raise their three girls with memories of their hero. Taylor had only met his youngest, once she was 2-weeks-old. His death was shocking, sad, but not in vain.

"To me, what that's doing is reminding people we are still at war, that we have men and women everyday that risk significant danger to themselves and their families. That does give me some sense of comfort," said Don.

Significant value in an ultimate sacrifice.

Funeral arraignments have not been finalized. On Thursday, Taylor was honored at his home base, Fort Polk, Louisiana.