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Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. This event usually occurs during the last week of October. Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through the commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug-free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of a drug-free America. The Springdale Police Department hosts and assists with the Springdale Elementary School's celebration of Red Ribbon Week.
Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico, while fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe. After Camarena was killed, his congressman and friends started the Camarena Clubs in California, where Camarena lived. Members of the clubs pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and other law enforcement officers killed in the war against drugs, on behalf of all Americans. Members of these clubs began wearing red satin badges and red ribbons, as a symbol of Camarena's memory.
The Red Ribbon Week campaign emerged from the efforts of these clubs. Today, Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping preserve Special Agent Camarena's memory and further the cause for which he gave his life. By wearing the red ribbon during the last week in October, Americans demonstrate their ardent opposition to drugs.
