DENVER — They are the faces that perhaps the headlines have forgotten. Dozens of families with loved ones still missing gathered at Colorado’s State Capitol for the first Missing Persons Day on Thursday.

Joint resolutions were passed in the House and Senate, and the names of the 300 missing persons in Colorado were read. Around noon, 300 yellow balloons were released on the east steps of the Capitol.

“Missing Persons Day is something this state should be reminded of each and every year so that we as a civilized society continues to search for our neighbors and friends,” said State Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, the sponsor of the resolution.

For the families gathered, having a day in which you are seemingly remembered appears to mean the world.

“It doesn’t get any easier. Time does not heal all wounds,” Laura Saxton said.

Saxton has been looking for her daughter Kelsie Schelling for three years.

“I just hope they  all want us to come back each year,” Saxton said.

Some families traveled great distances to be at the State Capitol, including the family of Neal Keller, who flew to Denver. Neal has been looking for his son Joe since July.

“It’s all about getting information,” Keller said.

Keller is pushing for better training for rural police departments. He said his son went missing in Conejos County and feels if he went missing in a more staffed area, he might have been found.

Other issues that families brought forth include making police departments alert the public more quickly when someone goes missing. Another suggestion is more resources for cold cases.

“We have not spoken to police in over a year,” said Emily Torrez, family member of the missing Nicholle Torrez.

Currently, families say no major bills aimed at helping missing persons have been introduced in the General Assembly this session.