News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2002

NATIONAL RED RIBBON 2002
CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF IN OCTOBER

The National Red Ribbon Campaign will be celebrated across the nation, October 23 - 31 this year. The Red Ribbon Campaign began after torture and brutal the murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena by drug traffickers in Mexico. Within weeks of his death in March of 1985, Duncan Hunter, Camarena's Congressman, and high school friend Henry Lozano, launched Camarena Clubs in Camarena's home, Imperial Valley, California.

In 1988, the National Federation of Parents, now known as the National Family Partnership, organized the first National Red Ribbon Week, an eight-day event proclaimed by the U.S. Congress and chaired by then President and Mrs. Reagan. Today events take place in every state marking Red Ribbon Week.

Today, Red Ribbon Week is celebrated nationally, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena's memory and further the cause for which he gave his life, the fight against the violence of drug crime, and the misery of addiction.. By gathering together in special events and wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October, Americans from all walks of life demonstrate their opposition to drugs.

DEA Headquarters in Arlington, VA will hold a Red Ribbon Rally, Wednesday, October 16, 2002 featuring music, dance and remarks from Camerana's childhood friend, Henry Lozano, Deloris Jordan, Michael Jordan's mother and President of D'Laro Inc., and DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson. In addition, there will be celebrations across the country.

If you have questions or need further information, contact Rogene Waite at the DEA Office of Public Affairs in Washington, DC at 202-307-7977. For news about events in your area, please check the web and contact the DEA Office nearest you.