Firefighter suspended from band over nod to Obama

[January 28, 2009]  CLEVELAND (AP) -- An Ohio firefighter has been given a six-month suspension from his role in a pipe and drum band because he nodded to President Barack Obama during last week's inaugural parade in Washington.

Video shows Drum Major John Coleman giving the nod along with a fleeting wave as the Cleveland Firefighter's Memorial Pipes & Drums marched past the president.

The band leader, Pipe Major Mike Engle, said the firefighter from Cleveland Heights violated the proper decorum required in a military parade. He said members were warned not to make such gestures during the parade.

Coleman says Obama smiled and waved, and that he was just acknowledging the president.

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Information from: The Plain Dealer, http://www.cleveland.com/

[Associated Press]

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