RED RIBBON WEEK BEGINS TOMORROW, LASTS THROUGH OCT. 31

This week, local schools will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week, which
urges students to show their personal commitment to a drug-free
lifestyle by wearing a red ribbon from Oct. 23-31.

Red Ribbon Week was first organized by the National Family
Partnership in 1988. The tradition began after DEA agent Kiki
Camarena was murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico City, Mexico in
1985. Camarena was working undercover investigating a major drug
cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and
government.

Soon afterwards, friends and neighbors began donning red badges of
satin in memory of Camarena's battle against illegal drugs. The
practice of wearing red ribbons evolved from this and became a symbol
of intolerance toward drug abuse.

It's good to teach our kids the danger of illegal drugs. They should
know that certain drugs are illegal because they are harmful to the
body. They also should be taught about the consequences of breaking
the law.

It's also a good practice to allow kids to participate in special
demonstrations involving law enforcement officers and police dogs.
This way, perhaps they will form a positive image of the officers
and, at the same time, a respect for the law.

Friday at Jemison Elementary School, the city's Chief of Police Brian
Stilwell introduced the kids to Medic, the drug dog. The event was
held for the purpose of kicking off Red Ribbon Week.

This week, JES and other schools across the county will enjoy
different activities and demonstrations as a part of Red Ribbon Week.

While students are taught a lot at school about avoiding harmful
drugs, parents should reinforce these lessons at home. This should be
done at a relatively early age, before it's too late.

If we really care about our kids, we won't just rely on everybody
else to show them what's right. Let's make sure they all know the
story behind the Red Ribbon.