Are you wondering why trees at the schools of Monrovia Unified are all sporting bright red ribbons this week? This is Red Ribbon Week, the celebration of living a drug-free life. The police department has also been busy tying ribbons around light poles in front of public buildings. In addition, the members of the Monrovia Police Department have been wearing red wristbands signaling their support for the program.
The week is a way of remembering Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, an agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration, who while working undercover in Mexico was kidnapped, tortured and murdered by members of a drug cartel. To honor him, people in his hometown of Calexico, Calif. began forming Camarena clubs pledging to lead drug free lives. They wore red ribbons to signify their commitment. The idea spread and Red Ribbon Week has gone nationwide.
There have been special events in all the schools all week long.
