OMAHA, Neb.- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is kicking off Red Ribbon Week, Saturday, Oct. 23, with 15 landmarks across the five state Omaha Division lighting up red to recognize the nation’s oldest and largest drug misuse prevention awareness program.
Red Ribbon Week began following the death of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki" Camarena who was murdered in 1985 by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico. After Kiki’s death, people began wearing red ribbons to honor his sacrifice. Today, millions of people across the nation celebrate Red Ribbon Week by wearing red ribbons, participating in community anti-drug events and pledging to live drug-free lives.
“With the threat of drugs and the sometimes associated violence growing across the nation, it’s important that we take time to visit with members of our community and explain the dangers these substances pose," DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King said. “We need to have serious conversations and open dialogue in order to educate people on the dangers linked to drug experimentation. It takes a community to turn the tide against a culture of drugs, and we need everyone to play a role in advocating for a healthy, drug-free lifestyle."
In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, which runs October 23-31, several landmarks in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota will light up red to bring awareness to living a drug-free life. A complete list of landmarks in the Omaha Division who are Going Red for Red Ribbon Week can be found below. Communities across the nation are encouraged to Go Red for Red Ribbon by lighting up classrooms, offices, libraries and other locations in red using red bulbs, gel filters or red balloons and decorations.
Participants can post Go Red for Red Ribbon photos on social media using the hashtags #DEARedRibbon and #GoRed4RedRibbon.
To speak with someone about the possibility of hosting a Red Ribbon Week event at your school, please contact Public Information Officer Emily Murray at 571-387-3545.
Iowa
Alliant Energy Tower (Cedar Rapids)
Davenport Sky Bridge (Davenport)
City Hall (Sioux City)
Vue Rooftop (Iowa City)
Minnesota
Enger Tower (Duluth)
100 and 111 Washington Square (Minneapolis)
35W Bridge (Minneapolis)
Lowry Avenue Bridge (Minneapolis)
The France Avenue Lights (Edina)
Sperry Tower (Eagan)
Nebraska
State Capitol (Lincoln)
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (Omaha)
North Dakota
City Hall (Fargo)
South Dakota
The World’s Only Corn Palace (Mitchell)
Main Street Square (Rapid City)
