| Red Ribbon
Week is the nation’s oldest and largest
drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of Americans
during the last week of October every year. By wearing red ribbons
and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge
to live a drug-free life and pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Enriqué “Kiki” Camarena.
Special Agent Kiki Camarena:Special Agent Camarena was an 11-year veteran of the DEA assigned
to the Guadalajara, Mexico, office where he was on the trail
of the country’s biggest marijuana and cocaine traffickers.
In 1985, he was extremely close to unlocking a multi-billion
dollar drug pipeline.
On February 7, 1985, he was kidnapped, brutally tortured, and murdered
by Mexican drug traffickers. His tragic death opened the eyes of
many Americans to the dangers of drugs and the international scope
of the drug trade.
History of Red Ribbon Week:
Shortly after Kiki’s death, Congressman Duncan Hunter and
Kiki’s high school friend Henry Lozano launched “Camarena
Clubs” in Kiki’s hometown of Calexico, California.
Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor
the sacrifice made by Kiki Camarena.
These pledges were delivered to First Lady Nancy Reagan at a national
conference of parents combating youth drug use. Several state parent
organizations then called on community groups to wear red ribbons
during the last week of October as a symbol of their drug-free
commitment.
The first Red Ribbon Week celebrations were held in La Mirada and
Norwalk, California.
In 1988, the National Family Partnership (NFP) coordinated the
first National Red Ribbon Week with President and Mrs. Reagan serving
as honorary chairpersons.
How to Celebrate Red Ribbon Week:
The NFP estimates that more than 80 million people participate
in Red Ribbon events each year.
The campaign is a unified way for communities to take a stand against
drugs and show intolerance for illicit drug use and the consequences
to all Americans.
Schools, businesses, the faith community, media, families, and
community coalitions join together to celebrate Red Ribbon Week
in many ways, such as: sponsoring essay and poster contests; organizing
drug-free races; decorating buildings in red; handing out red ribbons
to customers; holding parades or community events; and by publicizing
the value of a drug-free, healthy lifestyle.
DEA joins with community coalitions and prevention groups to plan
and carry out Red Ribbon activities, ranging from classroom events
to stadium-sized rallies.
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