National Missing Children's Day, 2002

Proclamation 7566 of May 21, 2002

National Missing Children's Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On May 25, 1979, 6-year old Etan Patz disappeared on
his way to school in New York City. The ensuing search
focused national attention on the tragedy of missing
children, as well as the lack of resources and
information available to help locate and recover
missing children. Since that time, many high-profile
cases and the dedicated efforts of parents, the law
enforcement community, and others concerned with
children's well-being have generated even greater
awareness about the need to protect children from
criminals and other predators.

During this year, we mark the 20th anniversary of the
passage of the Missing Children Act, originally signed
into law by President Reagan. Over the past two
decades, the Department of Justice, along with many
important community and faith-based partners, have made
great progress in raising public awareness, improving
public safety, locating and recovering missing
children, and protecting children from exploitation on
the Internet.

Americans must continue to work together to ensure the
safety of our children. The Department of Justice will
commemorate National Missing Children's Day by
presenting six awards that recognize outstanding
efforts to safeguard our youngest citizens. The
recipients deserve our heartfelt thanks and
appreciation for their dedicated work. As they are
honored for their contributions, I urge all Americans
to take an active role in upholding the safety of our
communities and in defending the well-being of our
children.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim May 25, 2002, as National
Missing Children's Day. I call upon Americans to join
me in commemorating this observance and to remember
those young people who are missing. I also call on our
citizens to recognize and thank those who work on
behalf of missing children and their families. By
renewing our commitment to protect our children from
harm, we can save lives and prevent untold suffering
and grief among the most vulnerable of our society.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B