The Tipton County Veterans Council will hold a Memorial Day Observance Sunday, May 24, at 2 p.m. at the Tipton County Museum. State Rep. Debra Moody, District 81, will serve as guest speaker. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s ceremony centers on three Tipton County men who died in service to the United States, representing three different wars.

PFC Charles Porter Smith, U.S. Army, was killed in action during World War I. His name lives on locally through American Legion Post No. 237 in Covington, which bears his name.

Sgt. Otha Revelle Vinceson of Burlison served with the 9th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. Wounded in September 1950 and returned to duty just eight days later, he was listed as missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, during fighting at the Chongchon River. He was presumed dead in 1953; his remains were never recovered.

SP4 Odell Craig of Covington was killed in Vietnam on May 5, 1969, 15 days before his 21st birthday. He served with the 1st Infantry Division. In a letter home before his death, he wrote: “The good Lord carries my gun so why should I have to be afraid.” He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Their names, along with those of hundreds of other Tipton County servicemembers, are inscribed on the veterans memorial on the museum grounds. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.