Governor Proclaims North Carolina Missing Persons Awareness Day 2023

WHEREAS, nationally, it is estimated there are approximately 100,000 active missing persons cases in the United States; in North Carolina, there are over 1,800 people currently reported missing to law enforcement, including over 800 children; and

WHEREAS, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) database utilized by law enforcement, medical professionals, and the public alike to identify and locate missing and unidentified individuals; approximately 600,000 individuals go missing and 4,400 unidentified bodies are recovered in the United States each year; and

WHEREAS, few circumstances are more devastating to a family than the unknown whereabouts of a loved one; and

WHEREAS, missing persons cases affect families of every background; every missing person deserves to be found no matter how long they have been missing or what the circumstances surrounding their disappearance might be, and many families and friends of missing people rely on help from the public and media to locate their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, Missing Persons Awareness Day provides families who are missing a loved one the chance to be recognized; it is also an important opportunity for the public to learn more about missing persons and show support for the dedicated individuals and organizations throughout the state in raising awareness and working with the public, law enforcement, and search and rescue agencies to advocate for missing persons and support their families;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 8, 2023, as “NORTH CAROLINA MISSING PERSONS AWARENESS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.