Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week
October 23-30, 2011
The Temecula Valley Young Marines have landed and are taking the fight to help reduce the demand for illicit and illegal drug use. Since 1988 the last week of October has been designated as Red Ribbon Week, which is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, the Temecula valley Young Marines are encouraging people to pledge to live a drug-free life and pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Enriqué “Kiki” Camarena.
The Temecula Valley Young Marines hope that you show your support by wearing a Red Ribbon through the end of the month and communicating with our youth about the risks involved in underage drinking and tobacco use prescription medication and illicit drugs.
Special Agent Camarena, a former Marine, was an 11-year veteran of the DEA assigned to the Guadalajara, Mexico, office where he was on the trail of the country’s biggest marijuana and cocaine traffickers. In 1985, he was extremely close to unlocking a multi-billion dollar drug pipeline. On February 7, 1985, he was murdered by Mexican drug traffickers. His tragic death opened the eyes of many Americans to the dangers of drugs and the international scope of the drug trade.
This year, your Young Marines will be handing out over 3,000 Red Ribbons and Pledges to 66 schools throughout the Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore and Menifee School Districts. They will be giving presentations at City Council and School Board Meetings and presenting our Mayors, Council Members and School Board Officials with Ribbons in hopes to commemorate Agent Camarena’s work and his wish to educate America’s youth about the dangers of drugs.
