The Red Ribbon Celebration Pledge is “No Use of Illegal Drugs, No Illegal Use of Legal Drugs.”
Red Ribbon Week began after the kidnapping, torture and brutal murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985. Agent Camarena had been working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico for over four years. His efforts led to a tip that resulted in the discovery of a multimillion dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Chihuahua, Mexico. The successful eradication of this and other drug production operations angered leaders of several drug cartels who sought revenge. As a result, they murdered key informants and then, on February 7, 1985, they kidnapped Agent Camarena and his pilot Captain Alfredo Zavala-Avelar (taken separately on the same day).
After DEA Agent Camarena and Captain Zavala-Avelar were kidnapped, the DEA launched a massive investigation. The agents found local law enforcement uncooperative at best. DEA Administrator Jack Lawn and US Attorney General Edwin Meese sought greater support from Mexican officials including the Mexican Attorney General but to no avail. Orders from US Customs Commissioner William von Raab effectively closed the US/Mexico border for days putting pressure on the Mexican government to assist.
Soon, representatives of the Mexican Federal Judicial Police (MFJP) presented a tip to DEA Agents claiming that Agent Camarena had been mistakenly kidnapped by a man and his three sons. The MFJP informed the agents that a raid of the man's ranch in Angostura would take place the following morning and invited them to come. However, the MFJP raided the ranch before DEA agents arrived. During the raid, they shot and killed five individuals. Not long after, a passerby discovered the bodies of both Agent Camarena and Captain Zavala-Avelar by the side of the road not far from the ranch.
The DEA's investigation revealed that Agent Camarena had been tortured extensively before he was murdered. Audiotapes of the torture showed that medical doctors actually kept Agent Camarena alive in order to continue the interrogation. Evidence collected revealed that both Agent Camarena and Captain Zavala-Avelar were initially buried in one location and then moved to the ranch where they were found.
The dramatic events that followed Agent Camarena's disappearance were chronicled in national media here at home. They exposed the dark world of drug trafficking including how far drug traffickers would go to maintain power and control.
In Agent Camarena's home town, Calexico, CA, the public outpouring of support turned in to an organized community response in which citizens wore red ribbons. They became a voice for prevention in order to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and illegal use of legal drugs in America. The following year the California State PTA adopted the Red Ribbon Week campaign. Then, in 1988, Red Ribbon Week was recognized nationally with President Ronald and First Lady Nancy Reagan serving as the first Honorary Chairs.
Today, the Red Ribbon Week brings millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention, early intervention, and treatment services. It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States.
Please Help us Celebrate Red Ribbon Week Oct. 25 to 31
Tuesday, Oct.25
Red Ribbon Kick off 8:15 a.m. at Grimes Elementary School. 800 South St. Burlington.
Join us for the official Kickoff to the Week’s activities. McGruff the Crime Dog will be in attendance with students from the Burlington Community Schools. Cosmo Leone from The New Mix 107.3 will provide a live remote broadcast.
Red Ribbons Decoration Contest: All schools, churches and businesses in Des Moines County are encouraged to decorate their windows, classrooms, chapels and offices for Red Ribbon Week. Traveling trophies will be awarded to the best-decorated business, church and school. Judging will take place Thursday, October 28. Call the GRADE A PLUS office at 752-6027 for more information or to register (pre-registration is required).
Wednesday, Oct.26
Wear Red Day - All community members are encouraged to have their students and employees wear red. Be creative: have a crazy red hat contest, wear red socks to “Sock it” to alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, or turn your back on drugs by wearing clothes backwards.
Thursday, Oct. 27
West Burlington Elementary’s Red Ribbon Week Parade: join us at 2:40 at West Burlington Elementary to show the community we believe in living a substance free life!
Friday, Oct 28
Red Ribbon Decoration Contest Judging Day
Saturday, Oct 29
Halloween at the Y Event from 1-4 p.m. Call Kara at the Burlington YMCA/YWCA (753-6734) with any questions.
Sunday, Oct 30
Red Ribbon Religious Weekend: Community member are asked to wear red ribbons to this weekend’s church services. Churches also are asked to offer special prayers or sermons, and ring their church bell in recognition of the responsibility we share in addressing substance-abuse problems.
Monday Oct. 31
SAFE Trick or Treat Night, 6-8 pm: Join local businesses & organizations at the Burlington Memorial Auditorium this evening for a safe trick or treat alternative. Don’t forget the costumes!
DRUG AWARNESS TRAINING
Needing to implement a drug free work place policy? Have one already and needing updates on DOT guidelines? Attend a Drug Awareness Training on October from 9 to 11 am in the Blackhawk Room at Great River Center for Rehab and Clinics.
The cost is $30, which includes certification documents. RSVP to Lisa Nafziger at (319) 768-4159 by
