Observed annually, National Missing Children’s Day has been commemorated each year on May 25th since 1983, when it was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan.
There was a series of high-profile missing children cases that made national headlines in the several years following the establishment of National Missing Children’s day.
Six-year-old Etan Patz disappeared from his New York City home on his way from the bus to school on May 25, 1979. May 25, the date of Etan’s disappearance, was designated as National Missing Children’s Day. During the time of his disappearance, cases of missing children rarely gained national media attention. However, Etan’s case quickly received much coverage. Etan’s father, who was a professional photographer, distributed black-and-white photographs of his son to find him. The result was a massive search and media attention that focused the public’s attention on the problem of child abductions and the lack of plans to address them.
For more information and awareness on National Missing Children’s Day visit the following link: http://www.ojjdp.gov/programs/postercontest/— (HT: Click here)
Today, I am using my blogpost to highlight a growing problem. Sadly, we live in a world where the light does not always shine. Even here in Wyoming, we receive Amber Alerts every now and then. Sometimes, we can get so busy with our lives that we might fail to pay close attention to the Alert, or the FB post, or the electronic billboard asking us to look out for a certain person or maybe a vehicle.
As a realtor, I drive all over Cheyenne and the surrounding areas, and it is easy to not notice that something might be out of place. However, I try to be observant and days like this are a good reminder to be concerned about others who are missing.
Our children are the pride and joy of our lives. Their little lives are entwined around ours in more ways than we can imagine. Even the search for a property will involve them as to what they want or are hoping for. Therefore, when a child goes missing, we feel a little of the pain or fear that parents go through. We hug our little ones a little tighter and give thanks that our children are not the ones missing, while at the same time praying that the missing child will be found.
Staying Alert,
Mark Escalera – Cheyenne Realtor
307-286-0396 — Mobile phone
