Mayor signs proclamation recognizing Red Ribbon Week

Saturday, October 24, 2009
Hazel Proctor with the PIE Coalition, Renee Marsteller with Juvenile Probation, Greencastle Police Chief Tom Sutherlin and Lisa Bishop, a PIE Coalition board member watch as Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray signs a proclamation designating Oct. 23 though 31 as National Red Ribbon Week.

The Putnam County P.I.E. Coalition Against Substance Abuse is supporting the annual National Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23 through Oct. 31.

Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray signed a proclamation Thursday afternoon at City Hall with PIE Coalition members, Greencastle Police Chief Tom Sutherlin and Renee Marsteller with Juvenile Probation.

The proclamation stated that cities across the nation are plagued by problems associated with drugs and alcohol abuse but there is hope through the hard work and determination of the community to create a drug-free environment.

National Red Ribbon Week provides communities with opportunities to renew commitments to healthy and drug-free lifestyles and to education and prevention efforts.

As residents wear and display red ribbons this week, they will be visibly showing the community's opposition to the illegal use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

Red Ribbon Week was started in response to the 1985 abduction and murder of DEA agent Enrique Camerena. Drug traffickers in Mexico killed "Kiki" as he worked to keep illegal drugs out of our country. Prevention workers in California were outraged as the news of Kiki's tragic death spread.

They came up with the idea of a public awareness campaign showing the seriousness of illicit drug use. The Red Ribbon was picked as the symbol to represent the shed blood of Kiki Camerena and his senseless death as he protected our nation.

From a small beginning in 1985, Red Ribbon Week is now celebrated throughout the nation. This event has become the annual catalyst to show intolerance for drugs in our schools, work places and communities. A proclamation by Congress makes Red Ribbon Week an official national event.

The Putnam County P.I.E. Coalition urged everyone to stand together with the rest of the nation and commit to a drug-free America.

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