Firefighter Quits Band Over Obama Nod

Associated Press
Published: January 28, 2009

CLEVELAND—An Ohio firefighter says he’s quitting a marching band after he was suspended from the group for giving President Barack Obama a nod and wave during last week’s inaugural parade.

Drum Major John Coleman says there are too many hurt feelings over the gesture he made as the Cleveland Firefighter’s Memorial Pipes & Drums marched past the president.

The organization said Coleman, a Cleveland Heights firefighter, violated the proper decorum required of a military parade. The band leader said members had been warned not to make gestures, and Coleman was suspended from the group for six months.

Coleman says some band members wouldn’t want him back so he figures it’s best to leave the group. He says Obama smiled and waved first and that he was just acknowledging the president.

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