Today is the first day of Red Ribbon Week for 2010. For those of you unfamiliar with what Red Ribbon Week is, it is an observance of alcohol, drug, tobacco and violence prevention. Every year for the past 25 years, it has been observed in the United States.

Red Ribbon Week first started back in 1985, when a Drug Enforcement Administration agent named Enrique, “Kiki” Camarena, was kidnapped, tortured, then murdered by leaders of Mexican drug cartels. Camarena helped discover a huge narcotics manufacturing operation that was going on in Chihuahua, Mexico in 1985. His efforts help remove several million dollars worth of drugs from getting into the hands of future drug dealers. When the leaders of drug cartels found out about Carmerena’s involvement in bringing down their operation, they sought revenge. They proceeded to kidnap Kiki, along with his pilot. They then held the two men captive, and tortured them to death.

After he was murdered, red ribbons were worn by citizens in Calexico, California, the town where Enrique, “Kiki” Camerena was from. The last week in October was declared “Red Ribbon Week”, to educate people about alcohol, tobacco, drug and violent crime prevention as well as honor Agent Camarena and other individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in helping control drug trafficking.

If you have a red ribbon, consider wearing it this week (from October 25-31).