2015 Red Ribbon Events

           Each year communities nationwide join together to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse by wearing a red ribbon from October 23 to October 31, which is the National Red Ribbon Week. The first Red Ribbon celebration was organized in 1986 by a grassroots organization of parents concerned about the destruction caused by alcohol and drug abuse. The red ribbon was adopted as a symbol of the movement in honor of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, an agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who was kidnapped and killed while investigating drug traffickers. The Campaign has reached millions of children and has been recognized by the U.S. Congress for its efforts and achievements. In Guam and the NMI, Red Ribbon Week is an opportunity to be visible and vocal in our desire for a drug-free community. Research shows that children are less likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to substance use and abuse. The Campaign provides communities with a forum to bring together parents, schools and businesses to find new and innovative ways to keep kids drug free.

           The Red Ribbon Committees in Guam and the NMI consist of local and federal agencies and private and non-profit organizations that have partnered to increase awareness of the National Red Ribbon Campaign’s significance and promote a drug-free community. On Guam, the observance of the Red Ribbon Week is extended beyond one week, with events occurring throughout the month of October. Simon Sanchez High School was last year’s Gate/Wall Decorating Contest Winner. The Red Ribbon Campaign kicked off with a Proclamation Signing on September 28, 2015, at Simon Sanchez High School in Yigo. This event was attended by Lt. Governor Raymond Tenorio, other dignitaries and Red Ribbon Committee members.

           U.S. Attorney Limtiaco made presentations at Dandan Middle School in Saipan, NMI, together with personnel from the U.S. Probation Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rosetta San Nicolas and Red Ribbon Guam Coalition members also made a presentation at Okkudo High School in Guam. Other Red Ribbon Committee members made presentations at many other elementary, middle and high schools on Guam. Students learned about the dangers of drugs and were encouraged to be drug and alcohol free.

          In addition to the school outreaches, the following activities were also held in celebration of the Red Ribbon Campaign 2015 in Guam: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day; Drawing Contest and School Gate Decorating Contest; Community Outreach at the Micronesia Mall, which included the distribution of free gunlocks; Wear Red Day; Red Ribbon Wave in Hagatna; Say “Boo” to Drugs at the Agana Shopping Center; Drawing Contest and School Gate Decorating Contest Winners Award Presentation; and various TV and radio appearances.

The following are photos taken at the various events.