The engraving says the flag flew over Camp Anaconda in Iraq on Sept. 11, 2006.
Now it has been passed on to Stoddard Elementary School in Beatrice, where it is currently part of a display honoring veterans in time for Veterans Day.
“We flew this flag in Iraq,” said Sgt. First Class John Hartig of Beatrice, a member of the 1-167th Cavalry of the Nebraska National Guard, who has three sons attending Stoddard. “It was presented in appreciation for the school's help and support while we were deployed.”
He said while the National Guard troops were gone for almost two years, the school was very supportive of his own family and also sent letters, care packages, pictures and e-mail to the 1-167th.
“That's important,” Hartig said. “You don't get good stuff from home too often. Anything to help pass the time helps out.”
Stoddard Principal Betty Replogle said the flag was presented to the school on Nov. 2, and inspired the creating of a wall of honor that includes pictures of family members of both students and staff who have served or are currently serving in the military.
In observance of Veterans Day, each classroom visited the wall on Monday with their teacher, she said.