There’s something unique and special about Founders’ Day for us AAs.  It’s a celebration of recovery, paying of respect to those–not just Bill and Bob–who came before us, and most of all, it’s about learning.  Learning how our fellowship seemingly overcame the odds, fighting a sometimes uphill battle to keep this program centered on its primary purpose, which is to carry the message.  It’s learning appreciation and gratitude to those who persevered, to help us alcoholics stay sober one day at a time.

I sat through both the history of AA traditions and the history of the Big Book, which in large part, represents the history of AA itself.  Gail L. sober since 1978 and involved early in service in Akron, knowing many key players at that time, is the first archivist in Akron and has done an amazing job in putting together programs especially for Founders’ Day that are not only creative, they capture the spirit of early AA.  You cannot sit through these stories and not be moved to tears of gratitude at times.

Had it not been for many significant key turning points, AA would not be what it is today, and who knows, humanity may still have been struggling to find a solution for this seemingly hopeless state of mind and body.  If you’d like to learn more about the fellowship, visit silkworth.net, which has lots of history. (AA or District 3 does not promote this organization: Tradition 6: An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.)

Attending Founders’ Day not only renews my commitment to carrying the message, it’s a great weekend of fellowship with 10,000 friends who celebrate the sober life AA has delivered.  There’s nothing like the sobriety countdown with almost everyone in attendance at the Akron University Stadium, where we celebrate staying sober from 24 hours to 60 years.  It’s an amazing part of my sober journey, and I strongly recommend that some day, you make it part of yours if you haven’t already.

JH