Red Ribbon Week

WHEREAS, communities across America have been plagued by numerous problems associated with illicit drug use and those that traffic in them; and

WHEREAS, there is hope in winning the war on drugs, and that hope lies in education and drug demand reduction, coupled with the hard work and determination of organizations such as the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League to foster a healthy, drug-free lifestyle; and

WHEREAS, governments and community leaders know that citizen support is one of the most effective tools in the effort to reduce the use of illicit drugs in our communities; and

WHEREAS, the red ribbon has been chosen as a symbol commemorating the work of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was murdered in the line of duty, and represents the belief that one person can make a difference; and

WHEREAS, the Red Ribbon Campaign was established by Congress in 1988 to encourage a drug-free lifestyle and involvement in drug prevention and reduction efforts; and

WHEREAS, October 23-31 has been designated National Red Ribbon Week, which encourages Americans to wear a red ribbon to show their support for a drug-free environment;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Libby Garvey, Chair of the County Board in Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim October 23-31, 2016 as

RED RIBBON WEEK

in Arlington, and urge all citizens to join me in this special observance.

Libby Garvey, Chair