Red Ribbon Week
Haiden Clark
How Red Ribbon Week Started
Red ribbon week started 25 years ago. According to imdrugfree.com, Camarena worked his way through college, the military and joined the police force. He later joined the U.S. DEA in the hopes of making a difference in the world by stopping illegal drugs from entering the United States.His assignment was to work undercover in Mexico, investigating a drug cartel that was believed the, Mexican army, police, and government officials. Continues next paragraph.
How Red Ribbon Week Started Part 2
The Starting Of Red Ribbon Week
On February 7, 1985 Camerena went to meet his wife for lunch, but never made it. As he left his office 5 men shoved him in a car. He was tortured and killed.Following Camarena's death, congressman Duncan Hunter and Henry Lozano started "Camarena Clubs" in Camarena's hometown of Imperial Valley, Calif. The purpose of the club was to educate the public about drugs and urge them to live drug-free lives on behalf of Camarena's sacrifice. The club wore red ribbons to honor the fallen hero, a symbol that is still worn today.Red Ribbon Week then grew out of this club's efforts and became a nationally recognized week for education against drugs.