State’s First Missing Persons Day Will Help Ease Suffering For Families

by Assemblyman Willis H. Stephens, Jr.

On New Years Eve, 1997, Lawrence Andrews headed from Brewster to Manhattan to celebrate the New Year with friends. The last he was seen alive was in Times Square, shortly after midnight. For weeks following his disappearance, his face became commonplace on the nightly news. Friends and family flooded the region with posters, searching tirelessly for any clue that could lead to his whereabouts. Forty-three days after his disappearance, his body was found by a jogger in the East River.

Incidents like this occur far too often, inflicting heartbreak and torment on families who have lost a loved one. To help ease their pain and suffering, Gov. Pataki has proclaimed this Saturday, April 6, as New York state’s first "Missing Person’s Day."

In accordance with Gov. Pataki’s declaration, this Saturday will be set aside to recognize the grief that affected families endure, and the fluctuating feelings of hope and hopelessness. What can often be the most difficult to bear is the uncertainty of the situation. Missing persons cases can often go unsolved for long periods of time, or sometimes forever. This lack of closure can be a difficult challenge for families as funeral services are postponed in hopes of recovering a missing loved one. These feelings are shared, not only by the families, but by friends and neighbors. In some instances entire communities are traumatized by an unexplained disappearance.

This year’s observance will feature several speakers from all walks of life, displays, awards presentations, a missing persons ceremony, and a chance for all who attend to share their experiences and to work together with others in their situation. It will be held in Albany this Saturday, April 6, at noon in the Legislative Office Building, Room 71 IA.

Mary and Doug Lyall of Ballston Spa, N.Y., have taken the initiative to organize this year’s

ceremony, and have selected the date in remembrance of their daughter, Suzanne Lyall, who disappeared four years ago from the SUNY Albany campus. The Lyalls have since been directing the Center for Hope, an organization designed to provide support, education and healing for families who have lost a loved one.

Currently, there are more than 4,000 missing persons in New York state alone. These people come from all different backgrounds, occupations and age groups. In response to these cases, 1 have cosponsored legislation in the Assembly similar to "Suzanne’s Law," named after Suzanne Lyall, in the Senate. This legislation would increase penalties for any assault or abduction that takes place on school grounds.

By designating April 6 as "Missing Persons Day," we will help comfort families, friends and communities who have lost an individual dear to them. By bringing people together who share the same experience, it is our hope we will help ease some of their pain, and make the healing process a little easier.