Target: Joe Biden, President of the United States
Goal: Devote more resources to identifying individuals classified as missing.
Dozens of missing people have yet to be identified from the Maui wildfires. For the families who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001, the harrowing lack of closure is even worse. Thousands of remains have yet to be matched to a name and a life. In the days leading up to the 22nd anniversary of this tragedy, two more victims were positively identified…the first identifications made in nearly two years.
Aside from the monumental forensic effort that stalls progress, red tape involving classifying likely victims as missing persons and in contacting family members for DNA samples also slow down efforts. But perhaps the biggest hindrance is the lack of a unified national effort. Each state beset by a mass casualty event is largely left to run its operations and find its experts. While more coordination has happened for the wildfires, these efforts could be better supported.
Sign the petition below to encourage more investment in giving grieving families peace of mind.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President Biden,
In the aftermath of the Hawaii wildfires, confusion has arisen about releasing the names of the missing, the number of missing, and how worried families can file a report on the missing or submit DNA samples for identification. Leaders should prioritize making these harrowing processes as smooth and stress-relieving as possible for a community that has been crushed by such tragedy. But the uncertainty is nothing new, unfortunately.
Over two decades after the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil, 1,000-plus families are still waiting for definitive answers on the fate of their loved ones. The gaps in identifying remains often span years. Let the anniversary of this consequential event be an impetus for change.
Please advocate for and invest in a federal program to be deployed immediately following any tragic event where the fate of potential victims remains unknown. Alleviate this burden of often-understaffed and ill-prepared local leaders. Coordinate, enhance, and unite resources and experts to give grieving Americans the most invaluable gift: closure.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Boxcar
153 Signatures