This "controversial" drum major is coming to Milwaukee.

Inaugural parade "casualty" to march in St. Pat's Parade

Published Feb. 23, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.

Drum Major John Coleman, the Ohio firefighter who quit his marching band after he was suspended from the group for nodding and waving to President Barack Obama during the inauguration parade, is coming to Milwaukee for the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 14.

The former member of the Cleveland Firefighter's Memorial Pipes & Drums will add a bit of celebrity for the annual march through Downtown.

The parade is organized by the Westown Association and the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin. Mike O'Leary from the Shamrock Club helped coordinate Coleman's invite.

Officials from Coleman's Cleveland band said that he violated the proper decorum required in a military parade by nodding at the president. Coleman says Obama smiled and waved, and that he was merely acknowledging the gesture.

Whatever the story, it's all over the Web and cable news so Coleman is sure to be a big draw for the Westown Association, organizers of the parade.

The annual parade will feature more than 160 units. OnMilwaukee.com is a parade sponsor.

Watch the official nod:

Talkback

Talkbacks

are-gee | Feb. 24, 2009 at 8:28 p.m. (report)

These are new times. "Proper decorum" can now be deemed "you wave back." Let some fresh air up those kilts, guys. Or some sunshine or sumthin'.

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