National Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 following the death of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Agent who was close to uncovering the identities of key members of a Mexican drug cartel.
Angered by his death and the destruction caused by drugs and alcohol in America, those in his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to fight the illegal use of drugs.
Today, the Red Ribbon has become a symbol of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse prevention all across America. National Red Ribbon Week is celebrated annually from October 23rd through October 31st.