Supporting the Goals of Red Ribbon Week

SUPPORTING THE GOALS OF RED RIBBON WEEK -- (Senate - September 20, 2006)

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Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today in support of a resolution that commemorates the 21st Annual Red Ribbon Campaign. I am honored to again seek the Senate's continuing support and recognition of Red Ribbon Week, which is October 23 through October 31.

In 1985, Special Agent Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena of the Drug Enforcement Administration was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by drug traffickers. Shortly after Agent Camarena's death, Congressman Duncan Hunter and high school friend Henry Lozano launched ``Camarena Clubs'' in his hometown of Calexico, CA. In honor of Agent Camarena, hundreds of club members wore red ribbons and pledged to lead drug-free lives. The campaign quickly gained statewide and then national prominence. In 1988, what is now the National Family Partnership organized the first National Red Ribbon Week, an eight-day event proclaimed by the United States Congress and chaired by then President and Mrs. Reagan.

With over 80 million people participating in Red Ribbon Week events during the last week in October, it has become the Nation's oldest and largest drug-prevention program. 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 the daily bombardment of mixed signals sent by the mass media. 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, Red Ribbon Week will be a statewide celebration involving thousands of school children and other supporters. On October 23, the Municipality of Anchorage, in conjunction with the Alaska Red Ribbon Coalition, which is comprised of the Anchorage School District, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Alaska State Troopers, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Alaska, the Alaska National Guard, and many other organizations, will hold its Red Ribbon Week kickoff. Among other activities, there will be poetry readings and dance performances, and a Public Service Announcement featuring local youths sending an antidrug message will be broadcast throughout the State.

As people across the country stand together against drugs, I thank my colleagues for joining me in what will hopefully be a continuation of the tradition of congressional support and recognition of Red Ribbon Week.

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