‘If We All Make the Promise, It Will Rid Our Community of Drugs’

Standing on the stage and overlooking an audience of more than 500 people, School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr. posed a tough and serious question. He pleaded to audience members, parents and children alike, to have a touch discussion and sit and talk about the facts of drug use.

Erardi stood tall, spoke slowly and made sure he looked into the eyes of every parent. He then did the same with children and students.

“When you see the way this ceremony ends, it is very solemn,” Erardi said. “We will honor those who didn’t make it. This rally here today should serve as a reminder of why it is important to work together to support a drug free community.”

The Southington Town Green was full of school staff, town officials and students of all kinds came out in force for one of the largest celebrations to date as the town celebrated the 23rd Annual Southington Red Ribbon Rally.

The rally, hosted by the Southington Drug Task Force in partnership with the Southington Town-wide Effort to Promote Success, schools, the Southington YMCA and many other organizations, drew it’s largest crowd to date.

Southington Town Manager Garry Brumback called for the community to take action, to come together and to weed out drugs by taking an active role in saying no.

“The easiest way to rid our community of illegal drugs is to all come together; to all make promises not to use. When we work together on the same page, it will eventually make our community and this country a better place for everyone.”

Take a look at the video above and pictures from the event.

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