Members of the North Oakland County Young Marines will be stationed in front of local businesses Oct. 23-31 to distribute red ribbons as part of a nationwide campaign to combat drug abuse.
‘This is the first time we’ve done this,? said Commanding Officer Clarence Cameron, of Oxford, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953-56. ‘They’re going to learn and teach others about the hazards of drugs and why it’s important to live a drug-free lifestyle.?
Established in 1988, national Red Ribbon Week is designed to encourage young people to pledge to lead drug-free lives and pay tribute to the memory of DEA Special Agent Enrique ‘Kiki? Camarena, who was killed in the line of duty in the 1980s.
An 11-year veteran of the DEA, Camarena’s work infiltrating and breaking up drug trafficking groups became famous throughout the United States and Latin America. His name was well-known, however, his face never appeared in newspapers or other media.
Camarena was working in Mexico and was very close to breaking up a multi-billion-dollar drug ring when he was identified as an undercover agent and murdered.
On February 7, 1985, Camarena, who had previously served in the U.S. Marines for two years, was kidnapped in broad daylight in Guadalajara. He was tortured and bludgeoned to death. His body was found on March 5.
Following his death, the red ribbon became a national symbol of the fight against illegal drugs, a cause for which Camarena gave his life.
Rich Dionne, part of the North Oakland County Young Marines command staff, said participation in Red Ribbon Week activities will teach the Young Marines how ‘to take control and create the community they want.?
It will also help develop their leadership and public-speaking skills as they hope to make anti-drug presentations in local schools and/or churches.
‘These are all things we try to encourage,? said Dionne, a resident of Brandon Township.
Founded in 1958, the Young Marines is a nonprofit youth education and service program for boys and girls, age 8 through the completion of high school.
The program promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members. Building character, developing leadership skills and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle are the primary focus.