The Red Ribbon Story

On February 7, 1985 at 2:00 p.m. the US Drugin an effort to reach million of US children and
Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enriqueexpand Camarenas dedication to prevent drug
(Kiki) Camarena was attacked by five men whileuse around the world.
opening his truck doors intending to drive andSince Camarenas murder, the Red Ribbon
meet his wife for lunch. The beige VolkswagenCelebration and every associated campaign has
where he was forced in disappeared that warmtouched the lives of millions of people each year.
winter afternoon in the streets of Guadalajara,Annually, during October 23rd to 31st, more than
Mexico. One month later, Camarenas body was80 million young people and adults show their
found savagely and grotesquely murdered.commitment to a healthy, drug-free life by
When Camarena joined the US DEA, after havingwearing or displaying the Red Ribbon. This
served as a Marine and becoming a police officer,nationwide effort has become a major force for
his mother tried to convince him to resign, but heraising public awareness and mobilizing communities
was determined to make a difference. In 1974,to combat alcohol, drug and tobacco use among
he was transferred to Guadalajara, Mexico, theyouth.
center at the time of the drug trafficking empireYears later, the red ribbon gained international
and working as an undercover agent wasappeal as a symbol of the fight against AIDS
investigating a major drug cartel believed towhen it was worn by Jeremy Irons at the 1991
include officers in the Mexican army, the policeTony Awards. Created by the New York-based
and the government. A firm believer of the notionVisual AIDS Artists Caucus, this visual symbol
that even one person can make a difference indemonstrated compassion for people living with
this world, Camarena, at the age of 37, sacrificedAIDS and support to their families. Inspired by the
his life to prevent drugs from entering the Unitedyellow ribbons honoring American soldiers servicing
States schools and streets.in the Gulf war and the US hostages of the
Honoring his memory, family and friends from hisAmerican Embassy in Tehran, the color red was
hometown in Calexico, California began wearingchosen for its connection to blood and as a
red badges of satin signifying his battle againstsymbol of passion. After becoming a politically
illegal drugs. Soon, coalitions were formed andcorrect fashion accessory, the Red Ribbon is
adopted the symbol of Camarenas memory: theworn on December 1st, each year in memory
red ribbon. In 1988, three years after his tortureand support of the HIV/AIDS victims and also to
and death, the National Family Partnershipincrease public awareness and thus, research
organized the first National Red Ribbon Campaignfunding.