June 22 in A.A. History

In 1916, Norwich University cadets, including Bill W. [right: at Norwich], were mobilized to Fort Ethan Allen. Four days earlier, President Woodrow Wilson had ordered the activation of all National Guard units from states not already involved in Brigadier General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing’s “Punitive Expedition” to capture Pancho Villa. As a result, Norwich University readmitted the sophomore class, including Bill, all of whom had been expelled after a hazing incident in February, so they could be mobilized.

In 2012, the U.S. Library of Congress launched an exhibit titled “Books that Shaped America,” showcasing 88 books that “shaped Americans’ views of their world and the world’s views of America.” Among these influential works is Alcoholics Anonymous [left: exhibit card], about which the exhibit said,

    The famous 12-step program for stopping an addiction has sold more than 30 million copies. Millions of men and women worldwide have turned to the program co-founded by Bill W[—] and Dr. Bob S[—] to recover from alcoholism. The "Big Book," as it is known, spawned similar programs for other forms of addiction. Shown here is the third edition. The book is now in its fourth edition.