 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
National Missing Children’s Day
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009
May 25th is National Missing Children’s Day. This day is highlighted to remind us of the missing children, their families and to renew our efforts nationwide to reunite children and their loved ones. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, during the last year an estimated 750,000 children were reported missing nationwide.
For prevention tips and more information, visit the Missing Child Center-Hawaii at http://www.missingchildcenterhawaii.com or call (808) 586-1449.
According to experts, the biggest myth parents teach their children is that dangers come from strangers. In the majority of cases, the perpetrators are actually known by the parents/guardians or children. Some times these people are in a position of trust or responsibility to a child and family.
The Missing Child Center -Hawaii helps families facing crisis by supporting them with education, reunification efforts, and assistance for recovery of a missing child. The Center is a program of the State Department of the Attorney General. Advocated by a group of parents whose own child had gone missing, the Friends of the Missing Child Center-Hawaii was founded to give additional financial support to the Center and assist the families of missing children.
Sharon Martinez faced a devastating crisis in 1991 when her former spouse abducted her three young children from their home in Honolulu. Working tirelessly to find her children and get the legal support she needed, it wasn’t until two and a half years later, on Mother’s Day, that her 12-year old son escaped the abusive father’s hideout and found his way to the U.S. embassy in Mexico. Today, both mother and son remain active in helping others find their way back to their families through their advocacy and support of the Friends of the Missing Child Center-Hawaii nonprofit organization.
On May 25, 1979, a mother sent her 6-year old son off to school in New York. Etan Patz kissed his mother goodbye and started walking to the bus stop, just two short blocks away. His mother watched as he made his way, then rushed home to care for another child who was sick. Etan never made it to the bus stop, nor did he ever return home again. In 1983, in honor of Etan Patz, former President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25th as National Missing Children’s Day to bring attention to the plight of missing children and their families and to renew our efforts nationwide to reunite children and their loved ones.
National Missing Children’s Day reminds this country not to forget the children who are still missing, not to falter in the effort to reunite them with their families, and to rejoice for those who have made it home.
As we reflect on the 25th anniversary of Missing Children’s Day, let us remember the valiant efforts of the dedicated professional men and women and all those in law enforcement who work steadfastly to bring these cases to successful conclusions.
Just ask a parent whose child has been missing, and the truth of the matter is, just one missing child is too many.
For more information, Missing Child Center-Hawaii at www.missingchildcenterhawaii.com or or call (808) 586-1449.
About Us
Board of Directors
Pamela Ferguson-Brey
Executive Director, Hawaii State Crime Victims Compensation Commission
Jo-Anna Herkes
Communications Specialist Project Manager, SSFM International, Inc.
Nancy Marker
Educational Specialist, University of Hawaii Social Science Research Institute
Sara Platte, APR
Public Relations Counselor/Consultant, Sara Platte Public Relations and Marketing
Stephanie Price
President, Hawaii Realty Group
Lisa Yogi
Professor, Honolulu Community College
Taryn Bundalian
Account Manager, Hawaiian 105 KINE/AM 940 KKNE
Advisory Board
Mari Ishii, CPA
Tax Manager, Grant Thornton LLP
Melinda Mullis
Principal, OrangeRoc
James Kerr
President, SuperGeeks
Staff - MCCH
Charlene Takeno
(808) 586-1449
Veronica Garcia
(808) 586-1449