[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 17, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12981-S12982]
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 cosponsoring a resolution commemorating Red 
Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week, celebrated October 23-31 of this year, 
encourages individuals, families and communities to take a stand 
against alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug abuse.
  The tradition of Red Ribbon Week, now in its 22nd year of wearing and 
displaying red ribbons, started following the assassination of U.S. 
Drug Enforcement Agency 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 hometown 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 ``Take a 
Stand--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. 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 a child stays 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 thank my colleagues for

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passing this resolution to demonstrate our commitment to raising 
awareness about drugs and encourage everyone to make healthy choices.

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