First Missing and Unidentified Persons Awareness Day?

I have wanted to see something like this for some time, an Unidentified Persons Day (nationally). I've mentioned it in a few media interviews -- didn't get much of a buzz ever. But when combined with a Missing Persons Day it seems to work much better.

In fact, Missouri's governor just signed a proclamation making June 17 Missing and Unidentified Persons Awareness Day in the State of Missouri!

Grass Roots
Earlier this year a new organization was formed called Missouri Missing -- founded by two Missouri women -- Marianne Asher-Chapman and Peggy Florence -- who have missing daughters. Through Marianne Asher-Chapman I met a special Missouri newspaper reporter, Ra'Vae Edwards.

Ra'Vae didn't just want to talk about how nice it would be to have a special day...she did it!

Ra'Vae quickly began work as a member of the newly formed organization to communicate with political leaders of Missouri. A long story short -- June 17, 2008 will be the first "official" Missing and Unidentified Persons Awareness Day.

Missouri's Proclamation
WHEREAS, as of June 1, 2008, there were 1,462 missing persons listed in Missouri and the unidentified remains of at least 48 people; and

WHEREAS, for every missing person there is a family who must wait weeks, months or years to get closure; and

WHEREAS, Missouri Missing is a not for profit organization dedicated to supporting families of those missing, educating the public about the plight of the missing and their families and assisting law enforcement by providing information;

NOW THEREFORE, I Matt Blunt, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, do hereby proclaim June 17, 2008 as

MISSING AND UNIDENTIFIED PERSONS AWARENESS DAY IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, this 17th day of June, 2008

Just the Beginning
I have a feeling this is only the beginning. There's not much time left this year to really plan the event as well as they might like. But the biggest hurdle has been jumped already -- state recognition. This will be a groundbreaking year. I'll report again on this event after it has passed.

Plus, I'll tell you more of the story of Angie Yarnell and Jasmine Haslag. Both the inspiration for the creation of Missouri Missing -- and both are still missing. There have been amazing events in both cases over past few months.

A Call for Help?
Will other states join this process and proclaim similar days in other states?

Will we see this at a national level one day as well?

Can you help make this happen by contacting officials in your state and tell them to look at what's happening in Missouri this June 17th?

This is an opportunity where each and every person out there can help to make a difference. I am asking for your help.

If you have any information on the topics I post, then please leave me a comment, email me at SleuthTheTruth@gmail.com or call my Tip Line at 206-279-9993.
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