On December 2, 2024, President Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Sabina, participated in a poignant candle lighting ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin, marking the beginning of National Missing Persons Week in Ireland. This ceremony, held in advance of the main events on December 4, serves as a symbolic prelude to the week-long observance, which will run from December 4 to December 10.
National Missing Persons Week provides an opportunity for families and friends of missing persons to reflect on the painful absence of their loved ones and to appeal for public assistance in locating them. The lighting of the candle is a powerful symbol of hope, remembrance, and solidarity, offering a moment for the nation to stand together in support of those affected by the disappearance of individuals.
In his remarks, President Higgins acknowledged the profound emotional toll on families of missing persons, highlighting the uncertainty and grief they endure. He expressed his support for the families and encouraged anyone with information to come forward, helping to resolve these heart-wrenching cases.
While the candle lighting ceremony marks the start of the week, the official observance will begin on Wednesday, December 4. During National Missing Persons Week, An Garda Síochána and various organizations will host events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about missing persons cases and educating the public on the available resources for those affected.
The Garda Missing Persons Bureau, which handles over 13,000 missing persons reports annually, will continue its work throughout the week to encourage cooperation from the public and highlight the importance of community involvement in solving these cases. While some missing persons cases are resolved quickly, others remain open for years, with some individuals still unaccounted for.
National Missing Persons Week serves as a crucial reminder that the search for the missing continues year-round, and the involvement of the public is vital in helping to bring closure to families. The week provides a renewed opportunity for hope, with the hope that more individuals will be found, and more families will have the answers they have long been waiting for.
