Red Ribbon Week
Floor Speech
RED RIBBON WEEK -- (Senate - October 17, 2007)
Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague, Senator Murkowski, in cosponsoring a resolution commemorating Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week, celebrated October 23-31 of this year, encourages individuals, families and communities to take a stand against alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug abuse.
The tradition of Red Ribbon Week, now in its 22nd year of wearing and displaying red ribbons, started following the assassination of U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agent Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena. In an effort to honor his memory and unite in the battle against drug crime and abuse, friends, neighbors and students from his hometown of Calexico, CA, began wearing red ribbons. Shortly thereafter, the National Family Partnership took the celebration nationwide. Since then, the Red Ribbon campaign has reached millions of children, families, and communities across the country, spreading the message about the destructive effects of drugs.
In my State of Iowa, the theme for Red Ribbon Week is ``Take a Stand--Be Drug Free.'' Schools and community groups across the State are organizing a variety of activities including pledges, contests, workshops, rallies, theatrical and musical performances and other family and educational events. These events are all designed to educate our children on the negative effects of drugs and to promote a drug-free environment.
Research tells us that the longer a child stays drug-free, the less likely they will become addicted or even try illegal drugs. This is why it is so important to maintain a coherent antidrug message that begins early in adolescence and continues throughout the growing years. Such an effort must involve parents, communities and young people. Red Ribbon Week provides each of us the opportunity to take a stand by helping our children make the right decisions when it comes to drugs.
In light of the growing epidemic of prescription drug and cold medicine abuse throughout the Nation, this year's Red Ribbon Week holds greater importance. I thank my colleagues for passing this resolution to demonstrate our commitment to raising awareness about drugs and encourage everyone to make healthy choices.
Source