June 29 in A.A. History

Today in A.A. History—June 29–July 2

In 1995, fifty-six thousand people celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) at the 10th International Convention in San Diego, California [left: big meeting Jack Murphy Stadium].

In 2000, forty-seven thousand people gathered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) at the 11th International Convention [right: Gary Glynn, General Service Board Chair, at the Opening Meeting, from Box 4-5-9, Aug/Sep 2000].

Today in A.A. History—June 29–July 4

In 1913, Bill W. accompanied his maternal grandfather, Gardner Fayette Griffith [left], to the 50th anniversary of the Civil War Battle of Get­tys­burg, where Fayette had fought.
    This spectacular event was organized with meticulous care and efficiency by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in collaboration with the Federal War Department. It attracted 53,407 veterans, including approximately 8,750 former Confederates, making it the largest Civil War veterans’ reunion ever held. All honorably discharged veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic and the United Confederate Veterans were invited, and veterans from 46 of the 48 states attended. Bill and Fayette likely stayed at the Great Camp [below: panoramic view], a tent city established by the War Department on leased farmland near the battlefield.
    Fayette pointed out where his military unit, the 14th Vermont Infantry, Company B, along with other Vermont regiments, had outflanked Pickett’s charge and contributed greatly to the Union vic­tory. The hot days were filled with speeches and exhibits, culminating in an address by President Woodrow Wilson on the 4th.