| On February 7, 1985 at 2:00 p.m. the US Drug | | | | Campaign in an effort to reach million of US children |
| Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique (Kiki) | | | | and expand Camarena's dedication to prevent drug |
| Camarena was attacked by five men while opening | | | | use around the world. |
| his truck doors intending to drive and meet his wife for | | | | Since Camarena's murder, the Red Ribbon Celebration |
| lunch. The beige Volkswagen were he was forced in | | | | and every associated campaign has touched the lives |
| disappeared that warm winter afternoon in the streets | | | | of millions of people each year. Annually, during |
| of Guadalajara, Mexico. One month later, Camarena's | | | | October 23rd to 31st, more than 80 million young |
| body was found savagely and grotesquely murdered. | | | | people and adults show their commitment to a healthy, |
| When Camarena joined the US DEA, after having | | | | drug-free life by wearing or displaying the Red Ribbon. |
| served as a Marine and becoming a police officer, his | | | | This nationwide effort has become a major force for |
| mother tried to convince him to resign, but he was | | | | raising public awareness and mobilizing communities to |
| determined to make a difference. In 1974, he was | | | | combat alcohol, drug and tobacco use among youth. |
| transferred to Guadalajara, Mexico, the center at the | | | | Years later, the red ribbon gained international appeal |
| time of the drug trafficking empire and working as an | | | | as a symbol of the fight against AIDS when it was |
| undercover agent was investigating a major drug | | | | worn by Jeremy Irons at the 1991 Tony Awards. |
| cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, | | | | Created by the New York-based Visual AIDS Artists |
| the police and the government. A firm believer of the | | | | Caucus, this visual symbol demonstrated compassion |
| notion that even one person can make a difference in | | | | for people living with AIDS and support to their families. |
| this world, Camarena, at the age of 37, sacrificed his | | | | Inspired by the yellow ribbons honoring American |
| life to prevent drugs from entering the United States | | | | soldiers servicing in the Gulf war and the US hostages |
| schools and streets. | | | | of the American Embassy in Tehran, the color red |
| Honoring his memory, family and friends from his | | | | was chosen for its connection to blood and as a |
| hometown in Calexico, California began wearing red | | | | symbol of passion. After becoming a politically correct |
| badges of satin signifying his battle against illegal drugs. | | | | fashion accessory, the Red Ribbon is worn on |
| Soon, coalitions were formed and adopted the symbol | | | | December 1st, each year in memory and support of |
| of Camarena's memory: the red ribbon. In 1988, three | | | | the HIV/AIDS victims and also to increase public |
| years after his torture and death, the National Family | | | | awareness and thus, research funding. |
| Partnership organized the first National Red Ribbon | | | | |