Supporting the Goals of Red Ribbon Week

SUPPORTING THE GOALS OF RED RIBBON WEEK

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Ms. MURKOWSKI. I rise today in support of a resolution that commemorates the annual ``Red Ribbon Week.'' I am pleased to have Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. TALENT, Mrs. DOLE, Mr. STEVENS, Mr. DOMINICI, and Mr. CHAMBLISS join me in introducing this resolution. The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to educate and advocate a commitment to a drug-free lifestyle. Red Ribbon Week also remembers the contribution of one soldier in the war against drugs, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena. I am honored to be here to seek the Senate's recognition and support again for the annual Red Ribbon Week Campaign.

In Alaska, Red Ribbon Week will be a statewide celebration involving thousands of school children and those people and organizations who care about the welfare of our children and communities. On October 24, the city of Anchorage of will celebrate with a series of Red Ribbon events coordinated with the Anchorage School District, the Alaska National Guard, the Alaska State Troopers, the mayor of Anchorage, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Alaska, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the local U.S. Attorney's Office, many PTA groups and many others throughout the community.

Throughout the week, Alaskans will be encouraged to show gratitude for everyone who remains drug-free and pledges to live a safe and drug-free life and remember those we have lost in the fight against drugs.

The Red Ribbon Week Campaign was started in 1988 by the Federation of Parents. It was organized as an 8-day event and was then chaired by then-President and Mrs. Reagan. The event began as a tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by drug traffickers in 1985. Those who advocate that drug addiction is a victimless crime should talk to the widow and children of Agent Camarena. His sons, Erik and Enrique, Jr. continue to honor their father and work to help children and families who are victims of drug-related crimes.

The Red Ribbon that we wear during Red Ribbon Week is a symbol of zero tolerance for illegal drug use and a commitment to drug abuse prevention. The ribbon will be worn or displayed in the upcoming Red Ribbon Week by millions of Americans in an act of unity and remembrance of Agent ``Kiki'' Camarena.

The distribution and abuse of illicit drugs is not a private matter. Drugs harm children. Drugs harm our communities. Illegal drugs only facilitate dependency, addiction and the breakdown of families.

We must encourage our children to make better choices by making the same commitment in our own lives. We as parents and leaders must set good examples.

Our children are growing up in a culture that continues to send confusing and mixed signals. Therefore, our children are confronting difficult choices on a continuous basis. Celebrities in the media, movies, television, and music often encourage them to make the wrong decisions. The Red Ribbon Campaign is one effort to help our children make the right decisions.

I thank my colleagues for joining me in support of this resolution to help illustrate the Senate's commitment in ensuring that our children know the benefits of a drug-free lifestyle and encouraging all people to live such a lifestyle.

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