Diane S. Sykes: “today I rise to honor the 90th anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous, a global, peer-led and spiritual-based, 12- step…”

“today I rise to honor the 90th anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous, a global, peer-led and spiritual-based, 12- step program, an organization founded in Ohio's 13th Congressional District in my hometown of Akron, Ohio. In June of 1935, a meeting between Bill W., a New York stockbroker, and Dr. Bob, an Akron surgeon, both struggling with alcoholism, sparked a movement that would change millions of lives around the world. With the guidance of Dr. William Silkworth, they came to understand that alcoholism is not a moral failure but a disease of the mind and body that requires treatment. From that understanding and their commitment to helping others, Alcoholics Anonymous was born. What began as one small group meeting at Akron City Hospital has now grown into a global fellowship with 123,000 groups in 180 countries and literature translated into more than 100 languages. With an estimated membership of over 2 million people, Alcoholics Anonymous has helped countless individuals find hope, recovery, and community. AA's legacy of humility and service is reflected in its traditions, especially the principles of anonymity and putting service before self. Those who are members are dedicated, because each year they make the pilgrimage to Akron on Founders' Day to pay tribute to Dr. Bob and provide hope and support for one another. Today I am proud to stand here to celebrate the 90th year of Alcoholics Anonymous and their healing and perseverance.”