About
Remember
Natalee Ann Holloway , an American student from Mountain Brook, Alabama, disappeared on May 30, 2005 during a high school graduation trip in Aruba. The disappearance generated a media sensation in the United States and Aruba and sparked considerable interest in the Netherlands. Recently thanks to the effort of dutch Detective Peter R. de Vries more information has brought this case to light giving closure to friends, family and supporters world wide.
Holloway's disappearance was first discovered by her classmates, who were in Aruba celebrating their graduation from Mountain Brook High School, when she did not arrive at the airport for her return flight. Holloway was last known to have been seen outside of Carlos'n Charlie's, a local restaurant, with Joran van der Sloot and brothers Deepak and Satish Kalpoe, but the three men denied knowing what happened to her, stating that they had dropped Holloway off at a Holiday Inn where she was staying. Van der Sloot was arrested twice on suspicion of involvement in her disappearance and the Kalpoes were also arrested three times each, and each was released each time due to lack of evidence.
Aruban investigators conducted an extensive search of the island for Holloway, with the help of thousands of volunteers. FBI agents also participated in the search, as did fifty Dutch soldiers and specially equipped Dutch F-16s. The searches were without result, and Holloway remains officially missing to this day, although according to Aruban authorities she is most likely dead.
Throughout the search, Aruban investigators were criticized by Holloway's family for a perceived lack of progress. Holloway's family even called for a boycott of Aruba, which gained the support of Alabama Governor Bob Riley, but which failed to gain national backing. In addition to criticism of the investigation, many accused media outlets of using the story to boost ratings, and have pointed to the coverage as an example of missing white woman syndrome.
On December 18, 2007, Aruban prosecutors announced that the case would be closed without any charges brought against any of the then-suspects, whose status as such was thus ended under Aruban law. The case can only be reopened if substantial evidence comes to light.
Taken from Wikipedia entry "Natalee Holloway"
Natalee Missing 42 Months
Louis ( 1 day ago)
We have for all this time heard lie after lie about what happened to Natalee and read so many things that have been written containing untruths and insults, not only to her, but to her family as well. It is almost as if a game is being played by some with the fate of this lovely young woman - a game about how one can come up with new ways to inflict additional heartbreak, suffering, and pain to ones that have already suffered an intolerable injustice. The latest situation of, 'Here is what I did', followed almost immediately by, "Guess what? I lied again." just can not continue; it must be somehow stopped. The most distressing part of all of this is that it appears that nothing can be done to those who keep this effort ongoing (or more likely it is that no one wants to do or cares about doing anything). We have all seen atrocities before, but I myself have never in my lifetime seen an atrocity as terrible as this.
What is most disturbing is that the negativity against Natalee and her families started almost immediately after she disappeared. The question here is, "Why?" Look into the eyes of Natalee's family members. What you will see is a terrible hurt, a longing for this unknowing to end. For 42 months, they have been searching for answers and the truth. And while this has been a terrible struggle to obtain any answers whatsoever, they have also had to cope with all the hate and abuse being thrown at them. We see this coming from people professing to be Christians and from those professing to be from other beliefs. It matters not what or who you believe in, but I can not imagine that any religion or belief condones the riducule or abuse of one in need.
It is because of all this that we can not give up or back away; we can not lose hope or faith. Natalee needs us and so do her families. Natalee is not here right now, so we must be a voice for her. We must support her families, each and every one of them, for it is they who have lost the one that they love so very much. We made a commitment to Natalee and her families when we came here and joined together, united as one in love and compassion for ones that we care so much about.
Our thoughts and our prayers never stop, you see
Because we have so much love for you, Natalee
You are now a part of us, a part of everything we do
You are one with us, and we are one with you
The days are long and the nights longer
But our faith and hope just gets stronger
We will never give up on you, Natalee, never
And you can count on that forever.
Hope for Natalee
Natalee Missing 41 Months
Louis (Oct 31, 2008)
We must continue to make those who may not be aware, that Natalee is still missing - we must keep her name out there for all to remember - we must keep her image in the minds of all. We can never let her be forgotten. This is not over and will never be until Natalee is found and returned home with the dignity and grace that she and her families so deserve.
Natalee's Birthday
Louis (Oct 21, 2008)
Through Natalee we have seen how families unite together with such love, devotion and determination in order to find the one they love so much. Through her families, we have seen why she is who and what she is. She has entered the hearts of so many and will remain in their hearts forever. She will never be forgotten. Her hard work, dreams, aspirations, and her compassion for life is an inspiration to all of us. She is a beautiful person, not just on the outside but on the inside as well.
Today, Oct 21, 2008, Natalee would have been 22. This is the fourth birthday that Natalee has not been able to celebrate. We should celebrate this day for her, in her honor, as we have come to know her - an ambitious, fun to be with, friendly, innocent, trusting, caring and compassionate young woman full of life with hopes and aspirations for a future.
Please take time today to think of Natalee - celebrate her day for her, and say a prayer for her and for her families and friends. Happy Birthday, Natalee.