Red Ribbon Week Essay Examples

For the last several months I have been working with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) towards my DEA ribbon in the Sea Cadets in Yuma, Arizona. Now prior to working on this ribbon, I knew little about the DEA and what they do. Formed during the summer of 1973, the DEA is a federal law enforcement agency that is responsible for dealing with drug smuggling and drug abuse within the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration is responsible for inhibiting drug trafficking within the United States of America. The DEA agents have a unique and special role in law enforcement; they work closely with state and local law enforcement agencies, as well with fellow federal law enforcement associates. They help to coordinate investigations and enforcement

I gained knowledge about Red Ribbon Week from several of the agents. Now, if you go to public or private school, you are probably aware of this special week as many schools have drug education activities each October, but I am homeschooled so this was a new concept for me. Red Ribbon Week happens each October with the purpose to present a visible commitment to living a safe, healthy, and drug-free life. The campaign is designed to create awareness concerning the problems related to the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs and to support the decision to live a drug-free lifestyle. The National Red Ribbon Campaign is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31 each year. The Red Ribbon Week also honors DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, who was murdered because of his commitment to stop drugs. In honor or Camarena’s memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. Across the country youth, parents, and adults began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of killing and destruction caused by drugs in America and to remember that one person can make a difference. In 1988, the first Red Ribbon Week was celebrated. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a reminder to communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention