ANSBACH, Germany (Oct. 30, 2014) -- Students from U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach's closed out Red Ribbon Week at Rainbow Elementary School today.
The students assembled in the gymnasium to wrap up the activities of the week and recite the drug-free pledge.
"I pledge to be drug-free
And to support the Red Ribbon celebration
By taking a stand
In my Family
And with my friends
Against alcohol and drug abuse.
I pledge to live a drug-free lifestyle
Both during the Red Ribbon Week
And throughout the year."
Col. Christopher M. Benson, USAG Ansbach commander, spoke at the event.
"You have my full support in your decision to stay drug-free and have a drug-free lifestyle," said Benson to the assembly of students. "And that's not just for today or only during this week, but it's for all year because being drug-free throughout your life will help you live longer and have a better life."
Dianna Bowers, Rainbow Elementary School Parent Teacher Student Association, helped arrange the events for Red Ribbon Week.
"I want to let them know about it now before middle school and high school where they get the pressure," said Bowers. "It's easier to start [education] now before the problem starts."
The children also formulated new lyrics to the music of "This Little Light of Mine," about how to stay healthy:
"Eat healthy foods, treat your body right,
I'm going to let it shine.
Eight to 10 hours of sleep at night,
I'm going to let it shine.
Exercise daily, build your muscle might,
I'm going to let it shine.
Let it shine.
Let it shine.
Let it shine."
Iesha Richards, USAG Ansbach Army Substance Abuse Program, also attended the event.
"It's very important for kids to stay away [from drugs] because their brains aren't fully developed yet," said Richards.
Other events during the week included a the signing of a drug-free pledge at Illesheim Elementary School at Storck Barracks, a flash mob dance at the Ansbach Middle/High School at Katterbach Kaserne, and a "Mustache Dance" at Ansbach Elementary School at Katterbach Kaserne, as in "We 'mustache' you to say NO to drugs." Fifth and sixth grade students also participated in an essay contest about the dangers of substance abuse.
To see more photos from the Red Ribbon Week activities, select "Red Ribbon Week kick-off Oct. 27, 2014 photo album" in the "Related Links" section. To learn more about how to talk to your children about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, select "How parents can help keep their children from drugs" in the "Related Links" section. To learn more about the USAG Ansbach Army Substance Abuse Program, select "USAG Ansbach Army Substance Abuse Program" in the "Related Links" section.
Related Links:
USAG Ansbach Army Substance Abuse Program
How parents can help keep their children from drugs
Red Ribbon Week kick-off Oct. 27, 2014 photo album
Rainbow Elementary, USAG Ansbach students make Red Ribbon pledge Oct. 30, 2014
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