Traditionally taking place during the last week of October, Red Ribbon Week is the country’s oldest and largest drug prevention campaign. The week commemorates U.S. Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique Camarena, who was tortured and killed in March of 1985 by Mexican drug trafflikers. To honor his sacrifice and the sacrifices of all those who have lost their lives in the struggle against drug traffiking and abuse, Camarena’s friends and family showed their pledge to be drug free by wearing red badges and symbols. Red Ribbon Week grew into a nationally recognized and celebrated movement preserving Camarena’s memory and furthering the cause he and so many died for: commitment to be drug awareness and prevention.
The themes for this week are as follows:
Monday – “Tie Up Drugs” wear tie dye
Tuesday – “Outsmart Drugs” dress like a nerd
Wednesday – “Stick Together to Kick Out Drugs” match with a twin
Thursday – “Give Hugs, Not Drugs” dress like a little kid
Friday – “Proud to be Drug & Alcohol Free, Proud to be a Brahma” wear blue and white