National Missing Children's Day
May 25, Sunday
History
The day was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. It commemorates the disappearance of 6-year-old Etan Patz, who vanished on May 25, 1979, in New York City while walking to his school bus stop. Etan’s case was one of the first to receive national media attention and helped bring the issue of missing children into the public spotlight.
Purpose
National Missing Children's Day aims to:
- Raise awareness about the issue of missing and exploited children
- Encourage parents, guardians, and caregivers to take steps to protect children
- Recognize the efforts of law enforcement and child protection professionals
- Promote the use of resources and tools to help locate and recover missing children
Activities and Observances
On this day, various events and initiatives are held across the country, including:
- Educational programs in schools and communities
- Public service announcements and media campaigns
- Award ceremonies recognizing individuals and organizations for outstanding efforts in child protection
- Distribution of safety materials and child ID kits
Role of the U.S. Department of Justice
The U.S. Department of Justice, through its Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), plays a key role in organizing National Missing Children's Day. Each year, the DOJ presents awards such as the Attorney General’s Special Commendation and the Missing Children’s Law Enforcement Award to honor those who have made significant contributions to the recovery of missing children.
How the Public Can Help
Everyone can participate in National Missing Children's Day by:
- Learning about child safety and abduction prevention
- Sharing information about missing children through social media
- Supporting organizations that work to find and protect children
- Teaching children about personal safety and what to do if they feel threatened