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RED RIBBON WEEK COMMEMORATES SACRIFICE

"I can't not do this.  I'm only one person but I want to make a difference." Those were the words of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena used to explain his decision to join the United States Drug Enforcement Agency ( DEA ) in the 1980s.

Camarena, who was born in a dirt-floored house, was a college graduate, former United States Marine and current police officer when his decision to make a difference was made.  What he didn't know was just how much of a difference to which his decision would lead.

The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover investigating a major drug cartel thought to involve individuals throughout Mexican law enforcement, military and government.  In February of 1985, five men kidnapped Camarena.  It was last time he was ever seen alive.  One month later, his body was found in a shallow grave bearing signs of torture.

In remembrance of Camarena's sacrifice and his dedication to battling illegal drug use and sale, those who knew him began wearing red satin badges in his honor.  Coalitions of parents dedicated to drug prevention, which had just begun spreading across the country at the time, began taking Camarena as an example of the belief on person can make a difference.  Many of these coalitions took the red badges as a symbol of their dedication, and the red ribbon was born.

The first Red Ribbon Campaign was organized by the National Family Partnership ( NFP ) in 1988.  The campaign was aimed at education and prevention of drug abuse in children and young adults.  Today, the NFP estimates Red Ribbon Week events are participated in by over 80 million Americans.

Area schools will participate in Red Ribbon Week again this year.  Events will be held for all levels of schooling throughout both the Ridgway and Johnsonburg School districts from Monday, Oct.  23 through Friday, Oct.  27.  Special focus will be given to encourage student to participate in the schools' Stand Tall Against Drug and Alcohol programs, in which students sign a pledge to stay drug and alcohol free.

More information on Red Ribbon Week and agent Camarena can be found at www.dea.gov/ongoing/redribbon2.html or at www.nfp.org/redribbon.htm.