ARLINGTON, Va. June 8 – The “Vigil for Lost Promise” will bring together families who have lost loved ones to drug abuse. Hundreds of parents, family members and friends will gather at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Headquarters in Arlington for a candlelight ceremony honoring loved ones who lost their lives to drugs. The vigil is supported by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the DEA, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, National Families in Action and Drug-Free Kids.

The “Vigil for Lost Promise” is the first annual national ceremony of its kind. It was planned and founded by eight families who have lost a young person to drugs and who are looking to put a human face on the tragedies suffered by families who have endured the loss of a child.

“The Partnership and our Parent Partners feel privileged to be part of such a meaningful gathering of families united by a common thread,” said Steve Pasierb, president & CEO of the Partnership. “We hope this vigil will encourage more parents to speak out and share their family stories. Communication is key – parents talking to each other and to teens – to helping prevent more of these tragedies from happening.

Len Bias’ mother, Dr. Lonise Bias will join other parents in telling her personal story of how she lost her son 20 years ago. Len was a promising basketball player from Maryland in 1986 and died in a cocaine-related death just two days after he was selected second overall in the NBA draft. Len’s death and Dr. Bias’ courage to speak out against cocaine use initiated a poignant attitude shift that helped the nation turn away from crack and cocaine use in the late 80’s.

“Every 20 minutes, drugs take another life in this country,” said DEA Administrator Karen Tandy. “In honor of those lost and in support of those left behind, DEA illuminates the harsh reality of drugs and their tragic consequences.”

For more information on the “Vigil for Lost Promise, visit www.nationalparentvigil.com.