Shepherdstown proclaims Oct. 23 to 31 Red Ribbon, week with the signing of an official proclamation by Mayor Jim Auxer at Octobers meeting of the Town Council.

After a presentation by two members of the Shenandoah Valley Young Marines, Private First Class Zack Bishop and Seth Bowers, Mayor Auxer officially agreed to celebrate the national “Red Ribbon” drug prevention campaign.

“I Arthur J. Auxer do hereby proclaim October 23 to 31st, 2013 as Red Ribbon Week in this city and encourage all citizens, businesses, public/private agencies, media, religious and educational institutions to wear and display red ribbons,and participate in drug free activities,” Auxer stated at the meeting.

As part of their presentation Bishop and Bowers told the council the story behind the Red Ribbon.

The national campaign is celebrated to commemorate the death of DEA Special Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while working an undercover case.

“Americans demonstrate their opposition against illicit drug use,” Bishop said of those who pledge to participate.

Bowers gave a presentation about the Young Marines and its anti-drug commitment.

“The young marines is the focal point for the U.S. Marine Corps. youth drug demand reduction efforts,” he said.

Bowers said the ultimate goal of the Red Ribbon week movement is a “drug free America.”

“I am proud to be drug free,” he said

“We ask everyone to participate by wearing a red ribbon or a red t-shirt,” he said.

In the official proclamation Mayor Auxer credited the Shenandoah Young Marines for its work.

“Governments and community leaders know that citizen support is one of the most effective tools in the effort to reduce the use of illicit drugs in our communities,” he said

Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country, established by Congress in 1988.

To learn more about the Red Ribbon campaign visit redribbon.org.