[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25509]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



              RECOGNIZING MARPLE NEWTOWN CARING COALITION

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                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 14, 1999

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to 
stand before you today to recognize the tireless and exemplary efforts 
of the Marple Newtown Caring Coalition. This organization brings 
together schools and the community as partners in order to work side-
by-side for substance abuse prevention education.
  During the week of October 23-27, the Marple Newtown Caring Coalition 
alongside numerous schools and community programs across the country 
will be participating in Red Ribbon Week. The goal behind Red Ribbon 
Week is to educate students of all ages from kindergarten through high 
school on the grave dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. The Red Ribbon 
Campaign first originated in 1985 after the tragic death of Special 
Agent Enrique Camarna of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in 
the battle against drugs. Red Ribbons are worn by school students as a 
symbol of intolerance against drug use and a commitment to a drug-free 
lifestyle.
  On October 25th, Marple Newtown Caring Coalition will proudly host 
the Red Ribbon Week Celebration in my Congressional District. The 
presentation will bring representatives from over 10 elementary and 
high schools together to promote substance abuse prevention. This 
gathering of students of all ages and different schools works to 
facilitate a bond between students and adults to achieve better 
communications for safe schools and communities.
  I applaud Marple Newtown Caring Coalition's endeavors to educate the 
entire community on the necessity of drug prevention education not only 
for the future of our community, but also for the future of our 
children. The Coalition stands behind a proactive approach by bringing 
parents, teachers, students, law enforcement officers and community 
leaders together to strive toward a healthy, drug-free atmosphere in 
our communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I feel it is imperative we support and encourage 
students and adults working together to end the destruction of drug 
abuse and move towards a reality dominated by drug-free and alcohol-
free students. I would like to ask my colleagues to support their local 
Red Ribbon weeks at schools within their districts. With organizations 
like the Marple Newtown Caring Coalition and our local schools around 
the nation, we can strike a serious blow in the fight against drugs.

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