National Missing Persons Day
Shining a light on unheard stories, advocating for those lost and building awareness for missing individuals.
Each year, approximately 600,000 individuals are reported missing in the United States, and the numbers are much higher worldwide.
The hope for National Missing Persons Day is to raise awareness and educate the public about people who go missing.
National Missing Persons Day Timeline
1967
Creation of the FBI National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
The FBI launches NCIC, a nationwide computerized index that soon adds missing person files, giving law enforcement a central tool to record and search missing persons across jurisdictions. [1]
1979
Disappearance of Etan Patz Spurs Modern Missing-Child Movement
Six-year-old Etan Patz vanishes in New York City, becoming one of the first missing children featured in national media and on posters, and helping catalyze new laws and awareness around missing children. [2]
1984
Founding of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
The U.S. Congress and private partners established NCMEC as a national clearinghouse to assist in cases of missing and sexually exploited children, professionalizing search, poster, and hotline efforts. [3]
1990
DNA Identification Begins to Aid Missing and Unidentified Persons Cases
As forensic DNA profiling matures and the FBI launches the national CODIS database, investigators increasingly use DNA to identify unidentified remains and link them to long‑term missing person reports.Â
1996
Creation of the AMBER Alert Child Abduction System
After the abduction and murder of 9‑year‑old Amber Hagerman in Texas, broadcasters and police developed the AMBER Alert program, using real‑time public alerts to help recover abducted children. [4]
2007–2008
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) Established
The U.S. Department of Justice funds and launches NamUs, a national, online, searchable system that links missing person reports with unidentified remains to assist families, law enforcement, and medical examiners.Â
2014
NamUs Becomes a National Program within the National Institute of Justice
The National Institute of Justice assumes full management of NamUs, expanding its forensic services, databases, and family support to improve the resolution of missing and unidentified persons cases nationwide.Â
History of National Missing Persons Day
National Missing Persons Day was founded by Jo Ann Lowitzer with the purpose of building an increased awareness in the public about the needs of those who have gone missing.
After her daughter, Alexandria, went missing in 2010, Lowitzer originally started by working to designate her daughter’s birthday, February 3, as an annual missing persons day for the city of Houston.
She dreamed bigger, later promoting the idea of Texas Missing Persons Day on April 26, which is the day her daughter went missing.
Eventually, in 2018 Lowitzer was successful in getting National Missing Persons Day recognized. Although it has not gotten easier in the more than a decade since her daughter went missing, Lowitzer continues to hope that raising awareness for this day will help in bringing missing persons home.
In addition to this day that is observed in the US, since 2013 the government of Ireland has also recognized its own National Missing Persons Day that takes place annually on the first Wednesday in December.
How to Celebrate National Missing Persons Day
Get involved with this important event by observing National Missing Persons Day with some of these activities:
Share Information about Missing Persons
One of the most important ways that people can be encouraged to observe National Missing Persons Day is by sharing information, no matter how small or inconsequential it might seem.
When police investigate the disappearance of a person, they put the pieces of a puzzle together through clues that narrow down what they believe to be the time and location of the incident.
Someone who has received a phone call or text, had a visual sighting or knew any piece of information about a person before they went missing can help by sharing.
Host a Missing Persons Vigil
For many people, the experience of a family member or friend who has gone missing can be devastating to individuals and communities. One opportunity that can be helpful in honor of National Missing Persons Day is to hold a vigil for those who have gone missing.
This could be a community gathering at a park, school or some other public space where people are invited to share memories, light candles, sing songs and perhaps hold a moment of silence.
Learn More About Missing PersonsÂ
In recent decades, the ability to track and trace missing persons through the use of technology has acted as an important tool and aid for solving mysterious cases. And the more awareness is raised through individuals and communities, the better the opportunities of finding people who are missing.
Get involved with National Missing Persons Day by learning and sharing some interesting facts online or in person to raise awareness. Consider some of these to get started:
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Since 1984, the National Center for Missing and Exploited children has received more than 5 million calls
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The first national clearinghouse for missing adults was created in 2000 and signed by US President Bill Clinton
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The AMBER alert was created in 1996 after the disappearance of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman
National Missing Persons Day FAQs
How did the milk carton campaign for missing children originate?
In the early 1980s, the disappearance of Etan Patz in 1979 led to his photo being one of the first to appear on milk cartons, initiating a widespread method to locate missing children.
Are there international equivalents to National Missing Persons Day?
Yes, several countries observe similar days. For instance, Ireland commemorates National Missing Persons Day on the first Wednesday of December, honoring those who have disappeared and supporting their families.
What role does technology play in modern missing persons cases?
Advancements like facial recognition and DNA databases have revolutionized searches.
The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) in the U.S. utilizes these technologies to assist in locating individuals.
How do cultural perceptions influence the reporting of missing persons?
In some cultures, stigma or distrust of authorities can delay reporting. Community outreach and education aim to bridge these gaps, ensuring timely interventions.
Are there unique global traditions associated with this day?
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the International Day of Missing Persons is marked with events highlighting unresolved cases from the 1990s conflicts, emphasizing the ongoing impact on families.
What are some common misconceptions about missing persons?
A prevalent myth is that one must wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing. In reality, immediate reporting increases the chances of locating the individual.
How do indigenous communities address the issue of missing persons?
Indigenous groups often face higher rates of disappearances. Initiatives like the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls on May 5th spotlight these concerns.
What psychological effects do families of missing persons experience?
Families often endure ambiguous loss, grappling with the uncertainty of their loved one’s fate, which can lead to prolonged grief and emotional distress.
How have artistic endeavors contributed to raising awareness?
Art projects, such as the REDress Project, use empty red dresses to symbolize missing Indigenous women, bringing visual attention to the issue.
Are there notable cases that led to significant policy changes?
The abduction of Amber Hagerman in 1996 resulted in the creation of the AMBER Alert system, a rapid response mechanism for child abductions.
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