July 3 in A.A. History

1955: At 4:00 pm in St. Louis, Missouri, during the 2nd International Convention, Bernard Smith [right], the non-alcoholic Chair of the Alcoholics Anonymous Board of Trustees, called to order the only “open” session of the General Service Conference ever held—the final session of the 5th GSC, saying, in part:

    I now declare the Fifth Annual Conference of the General Service Conference in session. We have completed in four days all of the tasks that have been allotted to us, save only one: that is the adoption of the resolution authorizing the General Service Conference to act for Alcoholics Anonymous and to become the successor to its co-founders. Only this Conference, in all humility, has the power, within the concepts of A.A., to adopt this resolution, and only after it has evidence of the acceptance by all of A.A., in this Convention assembled.

    Mr. Smith then introduced Bill W. [left: at the podium during the 2nd International Convention], who said in part:    

    We stand on the brink of a momentous decision. It is one of the most solemn hours in which this society will ever live, for we are about to confirm its permanent structure.…
    I pray with you that the resolution which we are about to propose is God’s will for us. I shall now offer it to you and ask for a voice vote. If you agree, if your conscience says, “This is right to the best of my knowledge and belief,” then your General Service Conference and its hierarchy of service at the center will confirm your will for all the long future of Alcoholics Anonymous.

    Bill then read the proposed resolution, the main clause of which was:

    That the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous should become, as of this date, July 3rd, 1955, the guardian of the Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, the perpetuator of the World Services of our Society, the voice of the group conscience of our entire Fellowship, and the sole successors to its co-founders, Dr. Bob and Bill.

    The Convention attendees roared their approval [right: 2nd International Convention body in Kiel Auditorium]. Smith requested and received a motion from a Conference Delegate for the Conference to formally adopt the resolution that had just been overwhelmingly approved by the Convention. The motion was seconded, and the Conference Delegates voted unanimously in favor, marking what Bill described as the “Coming of Age” of Alcoholics Anonymous.

1965: At 10:25 pm during the 4th International Convention in Toronto, Ontario [left], A.A.’s “Responsibility Declaration” was adopted. Ninety delegates and members from around the world emerged from behind a large banner at the back of the stage, which depicted the A.A. triangle within a circle, symbolizing the globe. They joined the Trustees who were already seated. The audience of approximately 10,000 stood, joined hands, and, led by Bill and Lois W., thunderously recited the Responsibility Declaration in unison:

    I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.

    This Declaration was written for the occasion by Class B Trustee Howard Alfred “Al” S. [right]. It has since been printed, quoted, and recited countless times. Attempts to modify the wording at General Service Conferences to make it more specific to alcoholics and less inclusive have been made at least twice, but all have failed—largely due to the absurdity of trying to retroactively alter the historical event that took place that day in Toronto.

Today in A.A. History—July 3–5

1970: Nearly 11,000 attendees from every U.S. state and Canadian province, as well as participants from 28 other countries, gathered in Miami, Florida, for the 5th International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous to celebrate its 35th anniversary [left].

Today in A.A. History—July 3–6

1980: Approximately 22,500 people attended the 7th International Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, celebrating A.A.’s 45th anniversary [right]. This was fewer than the anticipated 25,000 attendees, resulting in a loss of $208,000 [~$841,000 in 2026]. 
    The convention, themed “The Joy of Living,” marked several firsts: the debut of the film Markings on the Journey, the inaugural Archives Workshop, the first “genuine” marathon meeting, and the first dedicated events for gay and lesbian members. Marty M. [left] was among the featured speakers.
    A memorable moment occurred during the main meeting on Sunday, 6 July. A candle from the Marathon Meeting was brought to the stage and extinguished by Pete, who had only been sober for two days. Pete, who had been drinking, approached a conventioneer to inquire about their badge. He was promptly 12th-stepped and brought to the Marathon Meeting. The Superdome crowd erupted in deafening applause, and Pete reportedly maintained his sobriety.
    Following this, an unscheduled speaker approached the microphone, announcing, “My name is Bob S., and I’m in Al-Anon.” The audience was puzzled. Bob [right] continued, “I am probably the only person here today who was present when Bill met Dr. Bob.” A collective gasp swept through the crowd. He then declared, “I am Dr. Bob’s only son!” The audience responded with an outpouring of tears and wild applause.