National Missing Children's Day Review
History of National Missing Children's Day
National Missing Children’s Day was proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 to acknowledge the many children who go missing each and every year. From 1979 to 1981, a series of child abductions shook America. And it began with the disappearance of 6-year-old Etan Patz in New York City, on May 25, 1979, while he was on his way to school from the bus. Etan was unfortunately never found but the accused, Pedro Hernandez, received a prison sentence in 2017.
On May 25, 1979, Etan Patz was only six years old when he disappeared from his New York City home on his way from bus to school. The date of his disappearance was designated as National Missing Children's Day. At the time, cases of missing children rarely garnered national media attention, but his case quickly received extensive coverage. His father, a professional photographer, distributed black-and-white photographs of him in an effort to find him. The resulting massive search and media attention that followed focused the public's attention on the problem of child abduction and the lack of plans to address it.
For almost three years, media attention was focused on Atlanta, Georgia, where the bodies of young children were discovered in lakes, marshes, and ponds along roadside trails. Twenty-nine bodies were recovered in the Atlanta murders of 1979–1981 before a suspect was arrested and convicted
National Missing Children’s Day is observed to commemorate the date of the disappearance of Etan Patz and honor all other missing children. During the time of Etan’s disappearance, child abduction gained almost no attention from the national media. Yet, Etan’s case stirred up an uproar and received a lot of coverage. And, as a result, there was a huge search and increase in the attention of the public on child abductions and the lack of proper plans to address the issue. This finally led to the Missing and Exploited Children’s Movement.
The U.S. Department of Justice commemorates National Missing Children’s Day every year with a ceremony to honor the heroic efforts of all those organizations, agencies, and people who work towards the protection of children.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) holds events on the day to spread awareness among the public about the threat of child abduction, ways to keep children safe, and supporting the victimized families. The center also started the “Take 25” initiative that encourages people to take 25 minutes and talk to their kids about the importance of safety.
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How To Observe National Missing CHILDREN’S DAY
- Recognize the dedicated
If there is an organization or person in your community dedicated to the protection of children, organize an event to recognize them. You can also spread the word via social media.
- Organize an awareness event
Organize an event with your friends in your neighborhood to stress the importance of the matter. Discuss various ways in which the safety of children can be better promoted.
- Attend a ceremony
If there is a ceremony in your locality that honors the law enforcement and/or citizens dedicated to the cause, attend it. Also, use the hashtag #NationalMissingChildrensDay and share this information on social media.
Why National Missing CHILDREN’S DAY Is Significant
- It highlights the issue
The day focuses on highlighting the issue of missing, abducted, and exploited children. It encourages people to delve deeper into the seriousness of the issue.
- It shows how people can contribute
The day stresses various ways in which people can contribute to bringing missing children back to their families. It makes people come together and work towards a mutual goal.
- It honors the worthy
The day honors all those who are working day and night to find out more about children who are missing. It also thanks all the relevant organizations for their efforts.
National Missing Children's Day Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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