October 17, 2009
Saturday

The United States Senate has passed a resolution, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, that commemorates the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign, the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of youth through Red Ribbon Week events.

Murkowski's resolution, recognizing October 17-25, 2009, as Red Ribbon Week, passed the Senate by unanimous consent.

Red Ribbon Week is a national, week-long event commemorating the life of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique Camarena, who was killed in Mexico in the line of duty in 1985. Shortly after his death, his friends launched "Camarena Clubs" in his hometown of Calexico, California. In his honor, club members wore red ribbons and pledged to live drug-free lives. The campaign quickly gained national prominence and in 1988 Congress proclaimed the first National Red Ribbon Week.

"Red Ribbon Week memorializes Agent Camarena, and all those who have lost their lives in the war on drugs, by educating young people about the dangers of drug abuse, promoting drug-free activities and supporting everyone who has stood strong against illicit drugs," said Murkowski. "The Red Ribbon that we will wear during Red Ribbon Week is a symbol of zero tolerance for illegal drug use and our commitment to help people, especially children, make the right life-decisions."

In Alaska, a number of Red Ribbon Week events will take place beginning on October 19, to encourage healthy life choices and engage others to support a drug-free community.

Source of News:

Office of U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski
www.murkowski.senate.gov

 

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