Concentrating on our missing children

Donna Widawski
Published: May 25, 2008

President Ronald Reagan left behind many wonderful legacies. One of those legacies was that he was a pioneer in the field of crime victims’ rights.

A few examples of legislation signed into law to protect victims of crime during President Reagan’s administration are the Federal Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982 which brought “fair treatment standards” to victims and witnesses in the federal criminal justice system. Also,the passage of the Missing Children’s Act of 1982 which helped parents guarantee that identifying information on their missing child is promptly entered into the FBI National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer system.

On May 25th our country observed the 26th National Missing Children’s Day.  This day was established by President Reagan in 1983 and has been observed by every administration since then. As a member of the United States Secret Service in 1983, I was present in the East Room of the White House when President Ronald Reagan signed this legislation.

It was an emotionally charged day and one that I will never forget. May 25 also marks the anniversary of the day in 1979, when Etan Patz, a six- year-old boy from New York was abducted while walking to school.  For nearly three decades the search for Etan continues.

National Missing Children’s Day honors the commitment of locating these missing children by reminding parents, guardians, and other trusted adult, role models to make child safety a priority. 

I encourage all parents and trusted adult, role models to visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Web site. 

It is a wonderful organization and a great resource of information for parents on how to keep your children safe.

I want to wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day.

DONNA WIDAWSKI

Haymarket