National Missing Children’s Day Ceremony

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25 as National Missing Children's Day in memory of Etan Patz, a six-year-old boy who disappeared from a New York City street corner on May 25, 1979. Missing Children’s Day honors his memory and the memories of children still missing. Although Patz’ killer was convicted this February for the 1979 murder, Etan Patz remains missing and his case active with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children because his remains were never found.

Each year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) commemorates Missing Children's Day with a ceremony honoring the heroic and exemplary efforts of agencies, organizations, and individuals to protect children. This year, Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein recognized two law enforcement officers, two state-level task forces, and a private citizen for their efforts to recover missing and abducted children and investigate cases of sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.

Additional information is available online about National Missing Children’s Day.

Related: Press Release
                Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein’s Remarks