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Melania Trump
on Monday joined 'Breaking Bad' actor Dean Norris at an anti-drug event
but the first lady did not wear the red ribbon people were urged to
sport to show their opposition to drug addiction and violence.
Melania Trump and Norris, who played DEA Special Agent Hank Schrader on 'Breaking Bad,' attended the Drug
Enforcement Administration's National Red Ribbon Rally to promote the
upcoming Red Ribbon week - where people are urged to wear the ribbon
pins as part of the nation's largest drug prevention effort.
The
first lady, in a black sheath dress, did not wear such a pin as she
spoke in front of a sign that read 'Celebrate Red Ribbon Week.'
East Wing staff said she hadn’t received a pin in advance of the event.
Norris
and several DEA staff members were spotted wearing a metal pin with the
red ribbon symbol on it, which DEA staff had handed out before the
event started.
'I
am so pleased to be here and for the opportunity to talk about the
importance of being drug-free and helping to share the message of Red
Ribbon week,' Melania Trump said.
'Today
is an opportunity to be proactive in our efforts to eliminate drug use
and addiction among our youth. For Red Ribbon week, students can sign a
pledge that, if honored, will lead to a lasting positive impact on their
lives and the lives of their friends and peers,' she added.
She also called on companies to stop marketing e-cigarettes to children.
'We
need to continue encouraging teenagers and young adults that have
fallen into drug addiction to be brave enough to admit it, to talk about
it, and to get help. This also includes addiction associated with
e-cigarettes and vaping,' she said.
'It
is important to me that we all work to educate children and families
about the dangers associated with this habit. Marketing this addictive
product to children must stop,' she added.
Her
five minutes of remarks focused on Be Best and its efforts to fight
drug addiction. She did not take questions from the media.
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Norris was master of ceremonies and joked about his ties to the DEA.
'It's
my first time at DEA headquarters and, having spent six years playing a
DEA agent, it has a special place in my heart,' he said.
'Spread the red ribbon message of hope and living drug free,' he urged the students.
The red ribbon message was touted over and over again by speakers at the event.
The rally kicked off an anti-drug push ahead of the 31st annual Red Ribbon Campaign later this month.
A student choir welcomed the first lady to the gathering by singing the national anthem. Young Marines made up the color guard.
Students
also gave the first lady a bouquet of red roses. And she helped hand
out awards for best poster, photographs and best bookmark design.
During
the event, Melania Trump was seated next to Mika Camarena, the widow of
Special Agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena, to whom the Red Ribbon campaign
is dedicated.
Mika Camarena also sported the red ribbon pin.
It was the first time a first lady has visited DEA headquarters.
DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon told the crowd 'progress' was being made in the fight against drugs.
'This
year's celebration is especially meaningful because we are beginning to
see progress in the fight against opioid addiction,' Dhillon said.
Dhillon
shared the story of Special Agent Camarena, whom he called 'a testament
to selflessness, courage, and to look into a cause greater than
oneself.'
'Special agent Camarena was determined to make a difference and he paid the ultimate price,' he said.
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The
National Red Ribbon Campaign began after drug traffickers in Mexico
tortured and murdered Special Agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena in March
1985.
In the Netflix show
'Narcos,' Camarena's death and its aftermath are recapped in news
footage in the first season episode 'The Men of Always'.
After
his murder, students at Camarena's high school started an anti-drug
club in his memory that grew into the nation-wide event.
Two of the original founders were at Monday's event.
Melania Trump also praised his work.
'Special
Agent Enrique "KiKi" Camarena's story is a testament to the strength
that comes from a community devoted to caring for one another. It is an
honor to have the wife of fallen Agent Camarena with us today. Mika, I
am so sorry for your family's loss. Thank you and your family for
continuing to share KiKi's incredible story. What started as a small
hometown club that honored the life of KiKi has grown to a nationwide
campaign for students to commit to living healthy and drug-free lives,'
she said.
Red Ribbon Week is
officially celebrated nationally from October 23-31; however,
communities and school districts nationwide hold events throughout the
month.
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