Context:
- National Missing Children’s Day has been commemorated in the United States on May 25, since 1983, when it was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan.
- It falls on the same day as the International Missing Children’s Day, which was established in 2001.
Why this day is celebrated on May 25?
- 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.
- In 2001, the tribute spread worldwide. ICMEC coordinates the Help Bring Them Home Campaign in 29 countries, in conjunction with International Missing Children’s Day, to spotlight the issue of child abduction around the world, and to suggest to parents some steps they can take to protect their children.
Future Officers 