John Coleman was the drum major of The Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums band, which marched in the inaugural parade on January 20, 2009. During the parade, Coleman made eye contact with President Barack Obama, which he acknowledged with a nod and a wave. Coleman was later received a six month suspension from the band for his actions, as they went against the military protocol established by the band leaders. Shortly thereafter, Coleman resigned from the band.CNN: After suspension for nodding at Obama, drum major quits (January 28, 2009)
Quotes
"With this, it's come to a point where I don't want embarrassment anymore between the pipe band and myself."—John ColemanNewsNet5: Firefighter Says He Is Leaving Pipes And Drum Band (January 27, 2009)
"We had gone over and over time and again with everyone in the band that this was a military parade. Protocol and proper decorum had to be followed at all times. Unfortunately, John chose to ignore that."—Bandleader Pipe Major Mike EngleCleveland Plain Dealer: Drum Major John Coleman is suspended... (January 26, 2009)
References
Fast Facts
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Former drum major in The Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums
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Nodded and waved at President Obama during the inaugural parade
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Nod and wave were recorded and televised
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Was suspended for six months for his actions
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Later resigned from the band
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Bandleader Pipe Major Mike Engle said that Coleman's actions went against established military "protocol and proper decorum"New York Daily News: Drum major...quits band over controversy (January 28, 2009)
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Band manager Ken Rybka said that the band had received several negative emails and phone callsCNN: After suspension for nodding at Obama, drum major quits (January 28, 2009)
