National Missing Children’s Day

National Missing Children’s Day is an American day of remembrance dedicated to missing children. It is a great grief for parents, because they do not even know what happened to their child. The holiday is aimed at reducing the number of kidnappings and increasing the effectiveness of investigations. It is annually on May 25.

History

The history of National Missing Children’s Day begins in 1983. It was established by President Reagan. Thus, the president wanted to draw public attention to the problem of child abduction. It became particularly disturbing in 1979-1981, when a series of kidnappings swept the United States.

The date of the celebration is chosen in honor of the first abduction, which occurred on May 25, 1979. At the time, E. Patz (age 6) went missing on his way to school in New York City. He was not found, but the suspect received a criminal sentence, which was imposed much later, only in 2017.

Interesting facts

• In 1984, the United States Congress created the NCMEC. The NCMEC brought together groups of individuals and investigators who investigated missing children cases.
• During the celebration of this day, it is suggested that we support the Take 25 initiative. It invites parents to spend 25 minutes educating their children about the basic rules of safe behavior on the street, with strangers.
• Every year more than 400,000 children go missing in the United States.
• Most often, children may be abducted for ransom, or sold into sexual or other slavery.

How to celebrate

Research information about recent missing child cases in your city/state. Tell your children the basic rules of conduct on the street and when meeting strangers.

Share the post about this day on social networks. Ask users if they’ve ever had to deal with a child abduction? Let them tell their story.

When is National Missing Children’s Day in 2024?

National Missing Children’s Day is observed on May 25 each year.

Observations