Drum Major John Coleman offered a quick nod, a fleeting wave and what looked like a wink -- all while keeping stride -- as he marched the Cleveland Firefighter's Memorial Pipes & Drums past President Barack Obama last week. 

Some might call it a heartwarming moment of patriotism during the inaugural parade. 

The band's leader calls it a violation of the rules, captured by CNN. Coleman has been suspended as drum major for six months. 

"We had 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," said bandleader Pipe Major Mike Engle. "Unfortunately, John chose to ignore that."