The Village of Wellington, in conjunction with the Young Marines of the Palm Beaches, joined communities across the nation in proclaiming Oct. 23-31 as Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is an annual campaign to fight the addiction crisis by educating youth of the dangers of addiction and encouraging people to sign pledges to live drug-free lives.
The Young Marines of the Palm Beaches works year-round to teach its members of the dangers of drugs and alcohol and encourages its members to become leaders and teach others about this problem. During the month of October, the Young Marines increase their efforts to reach other youth and lessen the number who will fall victim to addiction.
This year, the Young Marines of the Palm Beaches kicked off Red Ribbon Week activities early, as they met to assemble red cord bracelets and learn about Enrique “Kiki” Camerena, who was a U.S. Marine and then a DEA agent, who worked to stop drug dealers before being kidnapped, tortured and murdered. On Friday, Oct. 5, the Young Marines hosted a booth at the Tequesta National Night Out at Constitution Park with a quiz game designed to educate youth about drug addiction dangers. They gave red ribbons to those willing to pledge to live drug-free. Some of the Young Marines also performed color guard services.
The Young Marines will continue their Red Ribbon Week celebrations with several other events. They will also host a booth at the Pine Jog Elementary School Trunk or Treat event from 3 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 20 and at the Delray Marketplace’s trick-or-treat event Monday, Oct. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The Young Marines of the Palm Beaches is a program for youth, ages 8 to 18, sponsored by the Marine Corps League and is the focus of the U.S. Marine Corps’ efforts to fight youth addiction. In addition, the Young Marines promote physical fitness; teach discipline, teamwork and leadership; and offer opportunities to participate in parades, color guards, camps, trips and more. Youth in the program must first go through a recruit training program before they earn the right to be called “Young Marines.” Learn more at www.palmbeachym.org.
