[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 149 (Thursday, September 18, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S9015]
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, observed October 23-31, encourages 
individuals, families, and communities to take a stand against alcohol, 
tobacco and illegal drug abuse. During this week, students all over the 
country pledge to live drug and alcohol free.
  The tradition of Red Ribbon Week, now in its 23rd year of wearing and 
displaying red ribbons, started following the assassination of U.S. 
Drug Enforcement Administration 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 
home town 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 ``Ask me, See 
me, Be me . . . I'm Drug Free.'' Schools and community groups across 
the State are organizing a variety of activities including pledges, 
contests, workshops, rallies, theatrical and musical performances. 
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 children stay 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 hope my colleagues will join me in passing this 
resolution to demonstrate our commitment to raising awareness about 
drugs and encourage everyone to make healthy choices.

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