John Coleman, a firefighter and member of the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums was recently suspended for six months because he waved at President Barack Obama during the Inaugural Parade.
According to Pipe Major Mike Engle, “We have 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.
Drum Major Coleman said when he looked over and saw that Obama was waving he just could not resist the urge. He has handed in his resignation and said, “There are too many bridges burned with the pipe band, too many hurt feelings on both sides.”
Maybe if we all used friendly gestures more often our world would not be what it is today. Kudos to the Cleveland firefighter for spreading goodwill, even if it did end up biting him in the butt. You rock in our book John.