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International Missing Children’s Day – 25 May

International Missing Children’s

The Network has 23 member countries: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the US.

Every year on May 25, GMCN (Global Missing Children Network) members pay respects to International Missing Children’s Day, honoring missing and abducted children while celebrating those who have been recovered. Following the 1979 disappearance of 6-year-old Etan Patz in New York City, May 25 was established as Missing Children’s Day in the US by President Ronald Reagan in 1983.

In 2001, the tribute spread worldwide. ICMEC (International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children) coordinates the Help Bring Them Home campaign in 22 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.

Source: Text: Wikipedia Image: Our Community

International Missing Children’s Day – 25 May

Background

National Missing Children’s Day was first observed in 1983, following a proclamation by U.S. president Ronald Reagan. In the years 1979 to 1981, a series of child abductions shocked the American public. 

Ethan Patz was six years old when he disappeared on his way to school on May 25, 1979. Although he was never found, the boy was legally declared dead in 2001. His case received a large amount of media attention and ultimately lead to the formation of the missing children’s movement. National Missing Children’s Day falls on the anniversary of his disappearance.

Abandoned swing as a symbol of the missing child.             The forget-me-not flower is the symbol of International Missing Children’s Day.

Source: Text: timeanddate.com   Image: cute calendar, heyevent,   Source: Text & Image: International Centre for missing and exploited children