[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 127 (Friday, October 8, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S10829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            RED RIBBON WEEK

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague 
Senator Murkowski in sponsoring a resolution commemorating the annual 
``Red Ribbon Week.'' Celebrated October 23-31, Red Ribbon Week 
encourages individuals, families, and communities to take a stand 
against alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use. I hope the rest of the 
Senate will join in supporting this resolution and support this very 
important campaign.
  The tradition of Red Ribbon Week and wearing and displaying red 
ribbons started back in 1985 following the assassination of U.S. Drug 
Enforcement Agency Special Agent Enrique Camarena. In an effort to 
honor his memory and unite in the battle against illegal drugs, 
friends, neighbors and students from his home town began wearing red 
ribbons. In 1988 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, this year's theme for Red Ribbon Week is ``Take 
a Stand--Help Iowa Be Drug Free.'' Schools and community groups across 
the State are organizing a variety of activities including pledges, 
contests, workshops, rallies, theatrical and musical performances, and 
other family and educational events all designed to educate our 
children on the negative effects of drugs and promote a drug-free 
environment.
  Research tells us that if you can keep a child drug-free until they 
turn 20, chances are very slim that they will ever try or become 
addicted. This is why it is so important to maintain a coherent anti-
drug message that begins early in adolescence and continues throughout 
the growing years. Such an effort must engage 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.
  More than 80 million people across the country are expected to 
participate in Red Ribbon Week. I urge my colleagues to join us in 
passing this resolution to demonstrate our commitment to raising 
awareness about drugs and encourage everyone to make healthy choices.

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