On Thursday October 24th, the normally purple and gold flooding Cobra Nation went red for a good cause. The national Red Ribbon Week is a long-standing campaign of anti-drug communities and schools across America.
(photo courtesy The Drug Enforcement Administration)
The history of Red Ribbon Week has its roots in the mid-1980s. First Lady Nacy Reagan brought national attention to the campaign by highlighting the importance of the sacrifice made by Enrique (Kiki) S. Camarena, former U.S. Marine, Sheriff’s deputy, and special DEA agent. Agent Camarena made the ultimate sacrifice trying to keep billions of dollars’ worth of drugs out of the country. To honor his heroism, Red Ribbon Week eventually gained momentum across the country. The black and white image above shows high school students signing a drug-free pledge.
Today, the eight-day celebration is an annual catalyst to show intolerance for drugs in our schools, workplaces, and communities. Each year, from October 23-31, more than 80 million young people and adults show their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle by wearing or displaying the red ribbon.
