[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 165 (Tuesday, October 24, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H10645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RED RIBBON CELEBRATION

  (Mrs. THURMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to include extraneous material.)
  Mrs. THURMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind my colleagues that 
we all have a role to play in the battle against illegal drugs--and 
that no one is more serious about that fight than the people of Citrus 
County, FL.
  This week marks the eighth annual National Red Ribbon Celebration.
  We all know that it takes a solid community effort to steer kids away 
from drugs. This week, Citrus County businesses are joining in the 
effort in many ways.
  More than 14,000 ribbons, each symbolizing the wearer's commitment to 
a drug-free lifestyle, will be donated to the county's schools.
  Those who wear the ribbons will receive discounts for food and 
entertainment and other events will be built around the drug-free 
theme.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend all the committed people of Citrus County for 
making this year's events the biggest and best ever. They are giving 
the young people in Citrus County something to say ``yes'' to when they 
say ``no'' to drugs.
  The article follows:

                 [From the Tribune, Citrus County, FL]

Students and Teachers Turn Red When It Comes to Drugs--Wearers Display 
                  Commitment to a Drug-Free Lifestyle

                            (By Gary Sprott)

       Crystal River.--Thousands of Citrus County students, 
     teachers and school support workers will don red next week in 
     the fight against drugs.
       The eighth annual National Red Ribbon Celebration, Oct. 23-
     31, will feature a variety of school and community events. 
     The celebration is sponsored by The National Federation of 
     Parents for Drug Free Youth.
       About 14,000 ribbons, each symbolizing the wearer's 
     commitment to a drug-free life-style, will be donated to the 
     county's schools by Spring/United Telephone-Florida.
       ``The goal is to get the community involved so students see 
     that prevention isn't just taught in class,'' said Linda 
     Higdon, who coordinates the school district's drug-free 
     school program.
       Schools and community groups will sponsor guest speakers, 
     special presentations and healthy-lifestyle promotions.
       Higdon said the celebration strengthens the district's 
     year-round efforts through its school resource officers and 
     Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, also known as DARE.
       ``We've had really good participation and every year it 
     keeps growing,'' she said. ``It's just not enough to tell 
     kids what to say `No' to, you've got to show them what to say 
     `Yes' to.''
       Among the planned community events:
       Oct. 25: The Burger King in Inverness will offer a 10 
     percent discount on purchases for students and adults wearing 
     a red ribbon.
       Publix and Winn-Dixie stores will use grocery bags 
     decorated by the county's elementary school students.
       Oct. 27: The Roller Barn in Inverness will offer $1 off 
     admission from 6 to 11 p.m. for students wearing red ribbons.
       The Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor a free 
     Halloween costume contest from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the 
     county auditorium in Inverness.
       The contest will be followed by a dance for middle-school 
     students from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. The dance is free for 
     students wearing red ribbons or Halloween costumes, $1 for 
     others. For information, call 795-2202.
       Oct. 28: Manatee Lanes in Crystal River will offer discount 
     rates and free shoe rental from noon to 5 p.m. for students 
     wearing red ribbons.

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