When is National Missing Children’s Day?
National Missing Children’s Day is May 25th.
What is National Missing Children’s Day?
Our children are precious, but they are also vulnerable. That’s why child abduction, and even the idea of a child lost in the woods, is so horrifying. National Missing Children’s Day honors the lives of missing children while also celebrating the kids who have been recovered.
This day appeared in response to a grizzly sequence of abductions that began with 6-year-old Etan Patz, a New York City resident. He disappeared near his home on May 25th, 1979. There were no amber alerts or milk carton photos in those days, and his body was never found. He was declared dead in 2001. National Missing Children’s Day takes place on the anniversary of his disappearance.
The highly publicized Atlanta Murders of 1979-1981 happened shortly after, prompting the missing children movement. This crusade resulted in better legislation and methods for finding lost or abducted kids.
But kids still disappear, their parents still have sleepless nights, and known child abductors still haunt the wanted lists. On National Missing Children’s Day, we come together as a nation to fight child abduction and return children to their homes.
Facts about National Missing Children’s Day!
- President Reagan proclaimed National Missing Children’s Day in 1983. In 1998, International Missing Children’s Day launched under the
- Pedro Hernandez, the kidnapper and murderer of Etan Patz, was finally convicted on February 14, 2017, almost 38 years after his disappearance.
- Etan Patz was one of the first kids profiled on missing children milk cartons.
How to celebrate National Missing Children’s Day:
- Learn about the threat of child abduction. Research how to keep your children safe, and take half an hour to talk with them about safety.
- Look over missing children lists. Make sure your smart phone has government alerts turned on (if that’s option) so that you get Amber Alerts.
- If you think you see an abducted child or suspect, immediately contact the police.
What’s the hashtag for National Missing Children’s Day?
Spread the word on social media by using #MissingChildrensDay.