Sometimes, when you're faced with someone famous and important, you forget where you are and what you're doing. Like at the inauguration. Everyone was excited about Obama. Including Ohio drum major John Coleman, who was part of the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes & Drums band, which performed at the inauguration parade.
Apparently, during the nationally televised parade, Coleman was seen nodding toward Obama, and waving a few steps later. Not exactly protocol for marching bands, unless it's the St. Martin's Elementary School Band. Coleman says this slip was because he made eye contact with Obama:
"Contact was made with our eyes both together and he smiled and waved at the band. And just as a gesture, I nodded my head. I gave him a slight wave and went on."
Unfortunately, this eye contact has cost Coleman his position. First he was suspended for breaking with military protocol; now he's resigned altogether.
Poor Coleman. I know that wasn't the most professional moment of his life, but I probably would have freaked out a little, too. Once, when I was four, I took ballet and we had a little recital at this nursing home. When I saw my brother wave to me, I stopped mid-dance, waved, and then realized I missed a couple steps. In other words, I feel you, drum guy.
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