News Pride and patriotism as Vikettes honor veterans

Several veterans and their families joined the Vinton-Shellsburg High School girls basketball teams in their Hall of Pride event on Saturday at VSHS.

The Vikettes hosted the Dunkerton Raiders in basketball scrimmages during an evening that included several fund-raising events. A dinner was served before the game, and a Harlem Globetrotter basketball was sold via silent auction. Participants also left donations at the door. 

Elementary students sang "Grand Old Flag," and a large American flag filled the court for the singing of 'The Star Spangled Banner.' At halftime of the varsity game, players escorted veterans to the court, where those in attendance received ovations from the audience. Some of the players accompanied friends or relatives; one Dunkerton player escorted her grandfather. 

The players wore red, white and blue shirts and socks, and T-shirts sold before the 'Nets for Vets' game also came in America's colors. 

All proceeds from the event will go toward the Benton County Veterans Assistant Fund.