United States Drug Enforcement Administration

On October 19, at 4:00 p.m. EDT and its equivalent in time zones across the nation, members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, along with their families and friends, physically joined hands across state lines nationwide to demonstrate their mutual commitment to the fight against drugs. In the Washington area, members of the Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia Elks Association joined hands across the Maryland and District lines at Eastern Avenue and Riggs Road in Chillum. Washington Field Division Demand Reduction Coordinator Linda Lee represented DEA at the event.

The Elks encouraged communities across the nation to participate in spanning borders of all kinds, whether they be geographic, religious, ethnic or other types of boundaries between people. The gesture symbolizes that drug abuse is everyone's problem and links our country together to work for a solution.

All over America the Elks promote Red Ribbon Week through their local Drug Awareness Programs. Since 1999 they have hosted their own Red Ribbon kick-off celebration.