Missing Persons Day, as proclaimed by Governor George Pataki, is a special day to provide an opportunity for those affected by the pain surrounding the ambiguous loss of a loved one, to reflect, remember, and to join with others to honor all missing persons. The ceremony was sponsored by the Center for HOPE, founded by Doug and Mary Lyall, parents of Suzanne Lyall, who has been missing since March 2, 1998.

This year many families traveled from as far away as Nebraska, Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

The annual HOPE award, recognizing outstanding work and contributions in creating awareness and locating missing persons in New York State was presented again this year. United States Congressman John Sweeney, a native of the Capital District and a bright star in Washington, accepted the first award. After his acceptance, Congressman Sweeney announced that he would be introducing a bill, “The Suzanne Lyall Campus Safety Act” during the spring session. The bill is fashioned after the NYS Campus Safety Act that was passed in 2000. The second award was presented to Frank Williams, from Utica, NY. Frank is the father of a child who was missing for a period of time and fortunately returned safety. The award recognizes his wonderful support of affected families and his coordination of The Ride for Missing Children, a yearly fundraising and awareness event that would not happen without Frank’s leadership.

New York State Assemblyman James Tedisco, board member of the Center for HOPE presided over the event, which provided education, networking and support for survivors of missing persons. Award recipient, Frank Williams, gave a moving keynote address, “The Ring Of Hope”. Nationally renowned speaker and parent of an abducted child, John Walsh, “America’s Most Wanted” addressed participants via video, offering his support for survivors of missing persons in New York.

The day’s program concluded with a ceremony honoring and remembering not only loved ones of attending families, but the thousands of missing persons in NYS and throughout the country. There were 20 persons honored that have been missing from their families for a total of 106 years of unrelenting uncertainty. As each name was announced, family members came forward and removed a rose from a centerpiece, replacing it with a picture of their loved one.

Missing Person's Day History