While Red Riboon Week has in the past only been an event restricted to schools, the city of Exeter is trying to change that. City council members proclaimed Oct. 27-31 as Exeterís Red Ribbon Week.

City officials are hoping that all residents and business owners participate either by simply wearing a red ribbon or decorating their store fronts, lamp posts, etc.

Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. Although the start and end dates can vary slightly depending on the organization and source, Red Ribbon Week generally takes place the last full week in October, with the weekends before and following the last full week included as appropriate celebration dates. This year Red Ribbon Week will nationally be celebrated Oct. 18-26.

Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America.

And, perhaps more importantly, Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique ìKikiî Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffikers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe.

Agent Camarena had been working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico for over four years.ÝHis efforts led to a tip that resulted in the discovery of a multimillion dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Chihuahua, Mexico. In Agent Camarenaís home town, Calexico, CA, the public outpouring of support turned in to an organized community response in which citizens dawned red ribbons.ÝThey 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 Campaign. Then, in 1988, Red Ribbon Week was recognized nationally with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan serving as the Honorary Chairs.

Today, the Red Ribbon Celebration 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. For more information call 592-9244.

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