Schools throughout Daviess County will be busy next week engaging students in Red Ribbon Week activities, with the common goal of keeping kids from ever using drugs or other illegal substances.

Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October every year. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free life and pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Kiki Camarena.

Camarena was an 11-year veteran of the DEA assigned to the Guadalajara, Mexico, office where he was on the trail of the country’s biggest marijuana and cocaine traffickers. In 1985, he was extremely close to unlocking a multi-billion dollar drug pipeline. On Feb. 7, 1985, he was kidnapped, tortured and murdered by Mexican drug traffickers. His tragic death opened the eyes of many Americans to the dangers of drugs and the international scope of the drug trade.

Shortly after Kiki’s death, friends in his hometown, Calexico, Calif., launched Camarena Clubs. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifice made by Camarena.

Several state parent organizations then called on community groups to wear red ribbons during the last week of October as a symbol of their drug-free commitment. In 1988, the National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week with then President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy serving as honorary chairpersons.

Washington Mayor Larry Haag will join other officials from around the nation Monday when he proclaims Red Ribbon Week during the city council meeting.

The red ribbons tied throughout the county are there to remind parents to talk to their children about the dangers of using drugs.

Organizers are asking residents to express their appreciation to law enforcement personnel, who risk their lives daily in the fight against drugs in Daviess County.