Senate Resolution No. 645

BY: Senator THOMAS

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
October 23-31, 2021, as Red Ribbon Week in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official weeks that are dedicated to increasing awareness of serious and
important issues impacting citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 23-31, 2021, as Red Ribbon
Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Red Ribbon Week; and

WHEREAS, In 1980, The National Family Partnership was established as
a grassroots, nonprofit organization by a group of concerned parents
committed to playing an active role in drug prevention education and
advocacy; and

WHEREAS, The National Family Partnership organized the first
Nationwide Red Ribbon Campaign after the murder of DEA Agent Enrique
Camarena; parents and youth in communities across the country began
wearing Red Ribbons to represent their commitment to increasing
awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in the country;
and

WHEREAS, Enrique Camarena believed that one person could make a
difference; this belief was used as the model at the start of the Red
Ribbon Campaign and it continues to be the belief as the campaign
reaches the lives of millions of American children and families; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of President Peggy B. Sapp, the
National Red Ribbon Campaign has become an annual national event that
acts as a major force in raising awareness and mobilizing communities in
the fight against drugs; and

WHEREAS, "Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free," is the winning theme
for the 2021 Red Ribbon Week; created by Tricia Nelson, a student from
Locust Corner Elementary School in Cincinnati, Ohio, the theme will
continue to be used all throughout 2021 in thousands of schools and
communities across the country; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize Red
Ribbon Week in order to raise awareness regarding the serious issues
surrounding drugs today and to promote the betterment of drug education
and prevention in New York State and beyond; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 23-31, 2021, as
Red Ribbon Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Red Ribbon Week; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.