An American flag that flew atop one of Saddam Hussein’s former palaces has been given to the Lancaster Police Department as a token of appreciation.

The police department sent several care packages overseas to U.S. Army Sgt. David Faris, who served in Iraq from November 2006 until February. 

Faris, 22, worked in Iraq as a data wall manager, meaning he plotted events on a huge map and helped categorize those occurrences, such as roadside bombings. That information aided other troops in theft occupation efforts.  

During his deployment, which Faris described as “crazy”, it always felt good to receive those packages from people back home, he said. Hygiene products, snacks and greeting cards were usually some of the items sent. 

Faris said the packages from the Lancaster Police Department’s D Watch shift mean a lot because the officers took time out from their duties to reach out to him. 

“It was the idea behind it,” Faris said. “The fact that these guys came together means that there are people supporting us.”

To show his appreciation, Faris presented the shift with a certificate and a folded U.S. flag on Wednesday evening. The flag flew atop the former Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad. It was one of Hussein’s 99 palaces and now serves as the location of camps Victory and Liberty.

Soldiers typically get the chance to fly flags over the palace to recognize loved ones or others who mean a lot to them.

Police Sgt. Paul Smith, the D Watch shift leader, appreciated getting the flag from Faris. “It was a huge honor,” he said.

Faris, Smith and several other officers talked about the bond that exists between soldiers and police. While soldiers are protecting the nation, police officers are looking out for the safety of everyone back home.

Smith said the Lancaster Police Department has been sending care packages to soldiers for the past five years.  Four soldiers receive the packages each year, and two packages were just sent out to soldiers for Easter.

As for the flag, this is the second time that a soldier has presented the police department with one, Smith said. Like the first, this flag will hang along a wall in the Municipal Justice Center.

Faris Facts

A 2003 Rock Hill High School graduate, Faris joined the U.S. Army in July 2005. He is now stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, but will move to Fort Gordon, Ga., in July.

He was named the 2007 Soldier of the Year by the Multi-National Corps – Iraq.

He is the son of Kathy Faris, principal at Indian Land High School.