Director Joins DEA for Red Ribbon Week Rally

This week, we join millions of young people across the country to celebrate Red Ribbon Week. Students, parents and educators this week participate by pledging to lead healthy, drug free lives and wear red ribbons while participating in community-wide, anti-drug events. 

Director Kerlikowske meets Elementary School Red Ribbon Bookmark Contest Winner, Haley Chilton. (Photo courtesy of DEA)

Red Ribbon Week is also a time to pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, whose tragic murder led to the creation of the Red Ribbon Program.  Red Ribbon Week is October 23 – 31 each year. On Wednesday, October 24, ONDCP Director Kerlikowske delivered remarks at the annual DEA Red Ribbon Rally at DEA headquarters in Arlington, VA. 

Director Kerlikowske joins DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart, Deputy Attorney General James Cole, and other officials for the singing of the National Anthem as the program begins. (Photo courtesy of DEA)

DEA Youth Dancers from Drew Model Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of DEA)

Deputy Attorney General James Cole, DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart, Peggy Sapp, President of the National Family Partnership, and Red Ribbon Youth Contest Winners also attended. They were joined by area youth who presented dance and musical performances for the audience. 

Afro Blue, Howard University's Vocal Jazz Ensemble, receives plaque after performance and poses with DEA Administrator Leonhart (Photo courtesy of DEA)

To learn more about Red Ribbon Week and take the pledge to live drug-free, please visit www.redribbonweek.org.