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National Missing Children’s Day

Show your support for National Missing Children's Day - let's all come together and help reunite families and keep our children safe.
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Category
Cause
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When it is?
May 25
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Country
United States
Introduction

May 25 marks the annual celebration of National Missing Children’s Day! This day was first established in 1983 by President Ronald Regan to honor and bring attention to missing children and their families. It's also a chance for us all to get together, support each other, remember those who are still missing, and celebrate everyone who has been reunited with their loved ones.

History of National Missing Children’s Day

National Missing Children’s Day Dates

National Missing Children’s Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1979</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Etan Patz Disappearance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Six-year-old Etan Patz goes missing in New York, his case garnering nationwide attention and significantly raising awareness of missing children's issues.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Adam Walsh Case</div><div class='timeline-text'>The abduction and murder of 6-year-old Adam Walsh leads to reform in the way law enforcement handles cases of missing children.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Missing Children’s Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Ronald Reagan proclaims May 25 as National Missing Children's Day in the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1984</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of NCMEC</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is established to help find missing children, reduce child exploitation, and prevent child victimization.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Megan's Law</div><div class='timeline-text'>Megan's Law is passed, requiring law enforcement authorities to make information available to the public regarding registered sex offenders.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>AMBER Alert System</div><div class='timeline-text'>The AMBER Alert System, a crucial tool for the immediate nationwide broadcast of information about missing children, was established in the United States.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Missing Children’s Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of people to help raise money for organizations that are dedicated to protecting and finding missing children. You can set up an online fundraiser or organize an event at your local park.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer with a local organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find an organization that is dedicated to helping find missing children, and offer your time and skills to help them in their mission. This could be anything from administrative assistance to helping out on search and rescue missions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to educate yourself on the issue of missing children, then spread this knowledge through social media, emails, or other forms of communication. Encourage others to show their support by donating or volunteering.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a vigil</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities come together during National Missing Children's Day and hold vigils for all of the children who have gone missing. Attend one of these events and show your support for the cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate toys</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Donating toys to local organizations that work with missing children can help provide comfort and joy during difficult times. This can also help bring more attention to the issue, so consider donating gently used toys that you no longer need.</p></div></div>

Why National Missing Children’s Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Missing Children’s Day heightens public awareness of the issue</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Missing Children's Day is held every May to raise awareness about the problem of missing children in the US and around the world. By increasing public visibility of this important issue, it helps to inform people about the risk of children going missing as well as how they can protect their own kids from falling victim to predators or other dangerous situations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Missing Children’s Day gives hope to families searching for loved ones</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For families with a missing child, National Missing Children's Day serves as a reminder that they are not alone in their fight for justice. The day provides an opportunity for them to share their stories and draw attention to the plight of those still searching for their lost family members.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Missing Children’s Day encourages child safety initiatives</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Missing Children's Day also generates support for initiatives designed to keep kids safe. These may include efforts to promote internet safety, prevent trafficking, reduce bullying, and increase law enforcement protections. Such initiatives help create safer communities and ensure that all children have access to resources and support when they need it most.</p></div></div>

5 Unveiled Facts for National Missing Children's Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over A Million Children Are Reported Missing Each Year</h3><p class='facts-content'>Worldwide, it is estimated that over one million children are reported missing each year. This staggering statistic underscores the importance of continuous efforts in protecting children and enhancing child safety measures.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Missing Children’s Day is Recognized Internationally</h3><p class='facts-content'>While National Missing Children's Day started in the United States, the commemoration is also marked around the world. Countries such as Canada, the UK, and Australia promote awareness and support necessary action to address the issue.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The NCMEC's Recovery Rate has Drastically Increased</h3><p class='facts-content'>Since the establishment of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in 1984, the recovery rate of missing children has greatly improved from 62% in 1990 to 97% today.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The U.S. Has a Specific Law Enforcement Code For Missing Children</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the United States, when a child is reported missing, authorities designate these cases under a specific code called the "Missing Child Act" that reinforces best practices for the investigation and resolution of these incidents.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Symbol For Missing Children’s Day is a Forget-Me-Not</h3><p class='facts-content'>In recognition of National Missing Children’s Day, the forget-me-not flower is used as a symbol to remember children who remain missing and instill hope for their return.</p></div></div>

National Missing Children’s Day FAQs

When is National Missing Children’s Day?

National Missing Children's Day is celebrated on May 25th every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Saturday.

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

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