National Missing Children’s Day is celebrated annually on May 25 to commemorate missing children and generate awareness about kidnappings of children. Throughout the nation, numerous organisations organise events to promote the safety of minors. The occasion functions as an opportunity to renew our efforts to reunite children who are missing with their families and to acknowledge all those working for the cause.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MISSING CHILDREN’S DAY
National Absent President Ronald Reagan designated Children’s Day in 1983 to honour the numerous children who go missing each year. From 1979 to 1981, a string of kidnappings rattled the United States. And it began with the disappearance of 6-year-old Etan Patz on his way to school from the bus stop in New York City on May 25, 1979. Etan was never located, but the accused, Pedro Hernandez, was sentenced to prison in 2017.
National Missing Children’s Day marks the day of Etan Patz’s abduction and pays homage to all other children who are missing. During the time of Etan’s disappearance, national media coverage of child abduction was minimal. However, Etan’s case caused an uproar and received extensive media coverage. As a consequence, there was a massive search and increased public interest in child abductions and the lack of adequate plans to address the problem. This ultimately resulted in the formation of the Missing and Exploited Children’s Movement.
Every year, the U.S. Department of Justice observes National Missing Children’s Day with a ceremony honouring the valiant efforts of all organisations, agencies, and individuals who strive to protect children.
On this day, the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) holds events to educate the public about the dangers of child abduction, methods to keep children safe, and how to assist the families of victims. The centre also initiated the “Take 25” initiative, which encourages parents to spend 25 minutes discussing the significance of safety with their children.
African Liberation Day 2023: Date, History and Significance
World Schizophrenia Awareness Day 2023: Date, History, facts about schizophrenia
5 FACTS ABOUT CHILDREN WHO ARE MISSING THAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW
Forget me not
The forget-me-not flower represents International Day for Missing Children.
Horrifying atrocities
One in six reported runaways in the United States (to the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children) wind up in child sex trafficking, according to estimates.
Regular estimates
Every day, an estimated 2,300 minors are reported missing in the United States, with an annual total of 460,00.
Not every abduction
Almost 90% of absent children either get lost, run away, or misunderstand route directions.
A proportion
Less than one per cent of all missing minors (approximately 100 cases) are reported in the news.
NATIONAL MISSING CHILDREN’S DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 25 | Thursday |
| 2024 | May 25 | Saturday |
| 2025 | May 25 | Sunday |
| 2026 | May 25 | Monday |
| 2027 | May 25 | Tuesday |
