Don Bell wasn’t the first choice to be the drum major for the Army’s marching band in 1954.

But on the tenth anniversary of D-Day, he led a large parade down the Champs Elysses in Paris, France. It was the country’s largest liberation parade.

Bell was stationed at Orleans, France during the Korean War and served 17 months.

His wife Faith Bell said when he first tried out for the band with his Bass horn, he didn’t make it.

“He had always been a music director at church,” she said. “But the band master didn’t know that.”

Faith said the band master told Don he didn’t play well enough for the band.

“Don was so disappointed,” she said. “He kept telling him he wanted to join the band so bad. The bandmaster gave him music and told him to practice more.”

Faith said Don was told he still wasn’t making the cut and was sent to the band school.

“I think he got tired of Don,” she said.

Faith said after a month he came back and they needed a drum major. Don immediately volunteered.

“You never offer your services,” she said. “I didn’t know this. But Don raised his hand, and they made him drum major in the band.”

Faith said because Don wasn’t on the battlefield other soldiers thought he had an easy job.

Don’s son Frank Bell is the current principal at Gardner Edgerton High School. Frank spotlighted Don as his guest at the school’s Friday, November 11 Veterans Day Program.

Frank said his father was drafted in 1954 and left his wife and newborn son Don Jr. to serve in the Korean War in Orleans, France.

“His musical talent paved the way for him to play Bass Horn in the 76th Army Marching Band,” he said.

Frank said when the war ended France desired to have a celebration of their liberation with a massive parade.

“This man was chosen to serve as the drum major,”he said. “And led the red, white and blue down the Champs Elysses Boulevard in Paris, France. For his service he received the National Defense Service Award. And we are grateful he is here with us today.”

Frank said Don was a hero to many, but especially to him.