Remembering Col. Canfield D. Boone

A few weeks back I signed up for Project 2,996. 2,996 is a tribute to the victims of 9/11. On September 11, 2006, 2,996 volunteer bloggers will join together for a tribute to the victims of 9/11.

I was fortunate to be allocated Col. Canfield Demonte (“Bud”) Boone of the United States Army National Guard. Col. Boone was born on February 2, 1948, and died in the attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 at the age of 54. He served in the Army for 31 years (Army of One Memorial). At his funeral, Col. Boone’s family received the military awards and honors given to their loved one by the United States government which included the Legion of Merit Award, the Purple Heart, the State of Indiana Distinguished Service Medal, the Cold War Certificate and the Honorable Service Certificate.

According to Legacy.com, Col. Boone was born and raised in Milan, Indiana. Col. Boone earnt a Bachelor’s Degree from Butler University in Indianapolis in history and political science, and a Master’s Degree from Webster University. It was while at Butler that Col. Boone met his wife, Linda. The couple had three sons, Chris, Andy and Jason, for whom Boone coached baseball and basketball over the years.

On the Arlington Cemetary website for Col. Boone, his wife, a second-grade teacher said the following, “I was proud of my husband, and he was proud of what he did. Serving his country was important to him. He was very patriotic.”

Mrs. Boone reflected that her husband sang with a barbershop quartet and was a member of his church’s choir. He loved to boat during summer vacations in Michigan, and golfing with his sons were special times. “It was a chance to be with his boys. They were the light of his life,” Mrs. Boone added. “He was the best dad and husband. He whistled all the time. Sometimes it drove me crazy. But I’d give anything if I could hear it now.” (Arlington Cemetary website)

Linda Boone and her sons remember his sense of humor, which has helped them these past days. She recalled: “At restaurants, waitresses [handing him the check] would say, ‘I’ll take that when you’re ready.’ He’d always say, ‘How about a week from next Thursday?’ ”

While researching Col. Boone, I discovered a memorial at the Boone Society for Col. Boone. Col. Boone believed his family was a descendant of Daniel Boone’s brother, Squire. The Boone Society is an association of descendants, genealogists and historians who enjoy studying the lives and times of Daniel Boone and his remarkable family. I also found a resolution by the Indiana State legislature and the Virginia State Legislature commemorating Col. Boone.

Other references found, include:

• “It wasn’t fair”, Fairfax County Times News (9/5/2006)
• Newsday.com Memorial for Col. Boone
• Washington Post’s “Remembering: The Pentagon Victims“
• Barbershop Harmony Society’s Page

None of the above can truly pay tribute to this man who was a father, a husband, a hero, and a friend. Without the work of Project 2996, I would never has spent time trying to get to know Col. Boone, and I am extremely thankful that I have now had that opportunity. My thoughts are with Col. Boone’s family during this time.

I Remember
Col. Canfield Boone
Pentagon