| On February 7, 1985 at 2:00 p.m. the US Drug | | | | first National Red Ribbon Campaign in an |
| Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent | | | | effort to reach million of US children and |
| Enrique (Kiki) Camarena was attacked by five | | | | expand Camarenas dedication to prevent drug |
| men while opening his truck doors intending | | | | use around the world. |
| to drive and meet his wife for lunch. The | | | | |
| beige Volkswagen where he was forced in | | | | Since Camarenas murder, the Red Ribbon |
| disappeared that warm winter afternoon in the | | | | Celebration and every associated campaign has |
| streets of Guadalajara, Mexico. One month | | | | touched the lives of millions of people each |
| later, Camarenas body was found savagely and | | | | year. Annually, during October 23rd to 31st, |
| grotesquely murdered. | | | | more than 80 million young people and adults |
| | | | show their commitment to a healthy, drug-free |
| When Camarena joined the US DEA, after having | | | | life by wearing or displaying the Red Ribbon. |
| served as a Marine and becoming a police | | | | This nationwide effort has become a major |
| officer, his mother tried to convince him to | | | | force for raising public awareness and |
| resign, but he was determined to make a | | | | mobilizing communities to combat alcohol, |
| difference. In 1974, he was transferred to | | | | drug and tobacco use among youth. |
| Guadalajara, Mexico, the center at the time | | | | |
| of the drug trafficking empire and working as | | | | Years later, the red ribbon gained |
| an undercover agent was investigating a major | | | | international appeal as a symbol of the fight |
| drug cartel believed to include officers in | | | | against AIDS when it was worn by Jeremy Irons |
| the Mexican army, the police and the | | | | at the 1991 Tony Awards. Created by the New |
| government. A firm believer of the notion | | | | York-based Visual AIDS Artists Caucus, this |
| that even one person can make a difference in | | | | visual symbol demonstrated compassion for |
| this world, Camarena, at the age of 37, | | | | people living with AIDS and support to their |
| sacrificed his life to prevent drugs from | | | | families. Inspired by the yellow ribbons |
| entering the United States schools and | | | | honoring American soldiers servicing in the |
| streets. | | | | Gulf war and the US hostages of the American |
| | | | Embassy in Tehran, the color red was chosen |
| Honoring his memory, family and friends from | | | | for its connection to blood and as a symbol |
| his hometown in Calexico, California began | | | | of passion. After becoming a politically |
| wearing red badges of satin signifying his | | | | correct fashion accessory, the Red Ribbon is |
| battle against illegal drugs. Soon, | | | | worn on December 1st, each year in memory and |
| coalitions were formed and adopted the symbol | | | | support of the HIV/AIDS victims and also to |
| of Camarenas memory: the red ribbon. In 1988, | | | | increase public awareness and thus, research |
| three years after his torture and death, the | | | | funding. |
| National Family Partnership organized the | | | | |