To commemorate the memory of Etan Patz, a six-year old boy who disappeared from a New York City street corner on May 25, 1979, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25, 1983 to be the first National Missing Children’s Day. Since its inauguration in 1983, National Missing Children’s Day has continued to be celebrated on May 25 to honor the memory of Etan Patz and all those children still missing. Each year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) commemorates this day with a ceremony honoring the heroic and exemplary efforts of the agencies, organizations, and individuals to protect children. On May 15, 2013, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Mary Lou Leary spoke at the DOJ National Missing Children’s Day Ceremony to pay tribute to those individuals who have committed themselves to child protection efforts. To access additional resources for parents of missing and abducted children, go to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention website or visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s "Take 25" website.