International Missing Children’s Day 2025

International Missing Children’s Day is a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about missing children and the efforts to find them. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing issue of child abduction and disappearance, and it honors the efforts of law enforcement, child protection organizations, and communities in their work to reunite missing children with their families. It is also a time to remember those children who are still missing and to support their families in their search for answers.

What is International Missing Children’s Day?

International Missing Children’s Day is an annual event that focuses on the plight of missing children worldwide. The day highlights the importance of prevention, the role of public awareness, and the need for coordinated efforts to locate and recover missing children. It also emphasizes the emotional toll that such cases take on families and communities and encourages ongoing support for those affected. The observance is symbolized by the forget-me-not flower, representing the hope that missing children will not be forgotten.

When is International Missing Children’s Day?

International Missing Children’s Day is observed every year on May 25th. This date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the disappearance of Etan Patz, a six-year-old boy who went missing in New York City in 1979, a case that drew significant attention to the issue of missing children.

How to Get Involved

There are several ways to participate in International Missing Children’s Day:

• Raise Awareness: Use social media, community events, or educational programs to spread awareness about the issue of missing children. Share information about prevention strategies, safety tips, and resources available to families.
• Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that work to locate missing children, provide support to their families, and prevent child abduction. These organizations play a crucial role in the recovery process and offer valuable resources to affected families.
• Participate in Candlelight Vigils: Attend or organize a candlelight vigil in your community to honor missing children and show support for their families. These events are a way to keep the memory of missing children alive and to stand in solidarity with those who are searching for their loved ones.
• Educate Children: Teach children about personal safety and the importance of staying alert in public places. Providing them with knowledge about how to stay safe can help prevent abduction and disappearance.
• Wear a Forget-Me-Not: Wear a forget-me-not flower pin or ribbon to show your support for missing children and to symbolize hope for their safe return.

History of the Event

International Missing Children’s Day was first recognized in the United States in 1983, when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25th as National Missing Children’s Day in memory of Etan Patz. The observance later gained international recognition and is now observed globally. The day serves as an important reminder of the need for continued efforts to protect children, locate those who are missing, and support their families. It also underscores the role of public awareness and community involvement in addressing this critical issue.

Relevant Hashtags

• #MissingChildrensDay
• #NeverStopSearching
• #BringThemHome
• #FindOurChildren
• #ChildSafety