John Bultman's fireworks display lights up the night sky over Muncie's White River levee every July 4. Bultman, a former Marine and Vietnam veteran, has single-handedly organized Muncie's annual Independence Day celebration for the past sixteen years.
Bultman said he began the task as chairman of the "Celebrate the City" committee but later became sole organizer after the committee disbanded. Bultman manages multiple duties, which range from gathering permits to renting Port-A-Potties. Bultman said two professionals have helped him set up the event for over a decade.
Garry Poe of Melrose Pyrotechnics helps Bultman organize the fireworks every summer. Before the twenty-minute display, Poe and his team ignites a spattering of red, white and blue fireworks in an unofficial salute honoring Bultman for his military service.
"John is king of fireworks for a day," Poe said.
WLBC Vice President and Station Manager Steve Lindell has worked with Bultman for eleven years coordinating music to the fireworks. As an annual tradition, Lindell said he includes the national anthem and the theme song for every branch of the armed services in the musical line-up. Lindell said he sees an emotional side of Bultman when both the national anthem and Marine Corps hymn play.
"You can see his pride for America swelling up in him," Lindell said.
Along with the fireworks every year, Bultman helps organize a 5k Marine Corps race that begins at Minnetrista. Bultman shoots the starter pistol that signals the beginning of the race.
"If you've ever been to a Marine Corps race, everybody's got a starter pistol," Bultman said. "I go, 'Bang!' and there's probably seven or eight guys with starter pistols. All of sudden you hear: 'Bang-bang-bang-bang-bang.' In the Marine Corps, we not only shoot, we open fire."
Bultman said he begins his his Independence Day at 6 a.m. and settles down around 9 p.m. to watch the fireworks. Bultman said he sits in his van in the bushes not far from the pyrotechnics before the show.
"It's good old Marine Corps cover." Bultman said.
With plans for the July 4 celebration beginning in late February, Bultman said he has had a lot of work on his hands to make it happen but wouldn't have it any other way. He said the sheer enjoyment he gets from being involved and his Marine Corps work ethic of honor, courage, and commitment help him deal with all of the tasks.
"The best is when everything's done and everybody's going away, it's dog-quiet and you're sitting on the levee," Bultman said. " There's no radio, no phone, no beepers -- just quiet, and I think, mission accomplished."
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