Supporting the Goals and Ideals of Red Ribbon Week

Floor Speech

SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF RED RIBBON WEEK -- (Senate - October 16, 2007)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today in support of a resolution that commemorates the 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 in the line of duty by drug traffickers. Shortly after Agent Camarena's death, Congressman Duncan Hunter and high school friend Henry Lozano launched ``Camarena Clubs'' in the agent's 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 8-day event proclaimed by the U.S. Congress and chaired by then-President and Mrs. Reagan.

This campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the
Nation, reaching millions of youth through Red Ribbon Week events. 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. 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 is a statewide celebration involving thousands of school children and other supporters. On October 22, the Municipality of Anchorage, in conjunction with the Alaska Red Ribbon Coalition and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Alaska, will host a Red Ribbon Week kickoff. The Red Ribbon Coalition is comprised of the Anchorage School District, the Alaska State Troopers, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, the Alaska National Guard and 43 Boys and Girls Clubs across Alaska will help other Alaskan communities celebrate Red Ribbon Week 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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