Etan Patz, Author Stanley K. Patz (CC BY- SA 3.0 Unported)
In April of last year, Operation Empty Nest (an undertaking by the U.S. Marshals Service, Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children) achieved a small miracle [1][2].
Led by Gerald “Jerry” Dysart of the US Marshals Service/Missing Child Unit, this joint federal, state, and local law enforcement operation succeeded in rescuing 16 child victims of physical and sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and exploitation. Victims were between the ages of 4 and 17.
In addition to the 16 who had been reported missing, another 11 were found alive.
Over the past two years, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has recovered 500 children. Against the backdrop of the coronavirus and the George Floyd protests, this news was largely overlooked.
May 25 was designated in 1983 as National Missing Children’s Day, in memory of Etan Patz – a 6 y.o. whose disappearance helped launch the missing children’s movement [3].
That we should have to establish such a memorial is tragic. That valiant men and women continue to rescue these defenseless children from the onslaught of evil is the highest form of dedication.
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’ ” (Matt. 25; 40).
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[1] Fox News, “Deputy US marshal led effort to rescue 16 children over 2 weeks, Justice Department says” by Michael Ruiz, 5/21/20, https://www.foxnews.com/us/deputy-us-marshal-rescue-16-missing-children-justice-department?cmpid=prn_msn.
[2] US Marshals Service, 5/21/20, https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/chron/2020/052120.htm.
[3] Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), “National Missing Children’s Day”, https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/events/missing-childrens-day/about-missing-childrens-day.
In 2020 alone, the US Marshals Service recovered over 400 children in Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, Louisiana, Virginia, and other states. For details, see https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/01/us/virginia-missing-children-recovered-trnd/index.html.
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ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
Pleased to see they are doing some good work and sad the day was overlooked.
We need this news when the mere thought is hideous nightmare – you were right, it got missed and do so appreciate this posts and the links.
My sincere thanks for your interest.
Wow. 500 rescued children. That is amazing.
Yeah, and it got almost no press.
Anna, ever diligent in getting out the message to those seeking guidance, hope, and deliverance from life’s atrocities. Every day around the globe children literally disappear. Those agencies responsible for deterring child abduction and for finding them are stretched beyond all capacity. You are a true blessing and light to countless people in search of answers. Blessings.
As you say, Lance, missing children are an urgent matter. The agencies charged w/ their recovery do heroic work. I deserve no such credit, but am grateful for your good opinion of me.
Blessings,
A.
Anna, all good and worthy lives matter, especially vulnerable children. It is always an esteemed pleasure, my friend. Blessings.
Praise God there are people who dedicate their time to rescuing children.
This is time well spent among so much waste..
Thank you for sharing the good news!
Glad to pass it along, Mary.
I’m so glad these children were rescued, I’m angry with the media for not informing us. They have their agenda, it’s not supporting real information apparently. Thank you for sharing this.
I am glad to have come across it.
Thank you to the US Marshals Service for their dedication and diligence.
I could not agree more.