[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 35 (Wednesday, March 25, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E466-E467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RED RIBBON WEEK IN BYRON DISTRICT #226

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DONALD A. MANZULLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 25, 1998

  Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to commend the efforts of 
the families, students, parents, and teachers of the communities of 
Byron, Mt. Morris, Oregon, and Stillman Valley, Illinois, as they 
launch this year's celebration of Red Ribbon Week, from March 30 to 
April 3. I extend a special thanks to Randy Vavra, his co-workers, and 
the many others involved in planning drug awareness activities for 
assisting in the coordination of this week. The significance of Red 
Ribbon Week and its impact on the young people in our communities is 
crucial to getting out the message that drug use destroys lives.
  The Red Ribbon Campaign is a national effort organized to commemorate 
federal agent Enrique Camarena, who was tortured and murdered by drug 
traffickers in February 1985. In his memory, the Red Ribbon has become 
a symbol recognizing volunteers and professionals working in the field 
of drug and violence prevention, drug demand reduction, law 
enforcement, and treatment. These efforts are supported by schools, 
churches, media, law enforcement agencies, business, and government.
  Although Red Ribbon Week is normally recognized in October, this year 
Byron and nearby communities have moved the celebration to the spring 
in order to bring in internationally renowned drug prevention speaker 
Milton Creagh. Mr. Creagh sports an impressive resume of professional 
and community activities for which he has received many honors and

[[Page E467]]

awards. In addition to Mr. Creagh's appearance, the district is 
planning a variety of student activities, as well as a drug and alcohol 
awareness inservice for all district staff.
  I fully support the Red Ribbon Campaign and the work of everyone 
involved. Drug awareness and prevention begin with families and 
communities, so I congratulate the people of Byron, Mt. Morris, Oregon, 
and Stillman Valley as they put together Red Ribbon Week. Your work 
will further the goal of eradicating the scourge of drugs that 
threatens our children and will direct them along a path to a brighter 
future.

                          ____________________