Red Ribbon Week
Floor Speech
RED RIBBON WEEK -- (Senate - September 18, 2008)
Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague, Senator Murkowski, in cosponsoring a resolution commemorating Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week, observed October 23-31, encourages individuals, families, and communities to take a stand against alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug abuse. During this week, students all over the country pledge to live drug and alcohol free.
The tradition of Red Ribbon Week, now in its 23rd year of wearing and displaying red ribbons, started following the assassination of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration 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 home town 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 ``Ask me, See me, Be me ..... I'm Drug Free.'' Schools and community groups across the State are organizing a variety of activities including pledges, contests, workshops, rallies, theatrical and musical performances. 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 children stay 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 hope my colleagues will join me in passing this resolution to demonstrate our commitment to raising awareness about drugs and encourage everyone to make healthy choices.
Source