Man's ashes to be put in fireworks

Published: July 3, 2008 at 5:36 PM

INDIANAPOLIS, July 3 (UPI) -- Organizers of an Indianapolis fireworks exhibit said Thursday night's display will include some of the ashes from a recently deceased pyrotechnician.

The family of Meredith Smith, who died recently at the age of 74, said some of his ashes will be included in a fireworks shell that will be launched to conclude the show, the Indianapolis Star reported Thursday.

Smith worked on the north side's annual fireworks displays for nearly 40 years.

"We started this as a community service almost 40 years ago," said Charlotte Smith, the pyrotechnician's widow. "Meredith felt like the people in this area didn't get the opportunities that other people got, and so he wanted to give them the opportunity. Sometimes, we took the money out of our own pocket."

Organizers said more than $10,000 was donated by local businesses and individuals to fund this year's show.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints




Additional News Stories
Your Daily Horoscope
The almanac
Retailers: As snow falls, so do sales
NBA: Washington 118, Golden State 109
NHL: Vancouver 3, Washington 2
Woman allegedly stole case of Scotch
NBA: Houston 116, Dallas 108 (OT)
fark
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game respectfully requests that , should you find a live frog...
Superman is Real, and He Apparently Lives in Ottawa, KS
On one hand, third offense drunk driving hit and run with injuries is bad. On the other hand, we...
The only exception to ever sport a pair of inline skates, ever. (w/video)
Virginia getting slammed with 20 inches
Whiskey hangovers worse than vodka hangovers, still no cure for Whiskey hangovers