I do not go around counting days and I don't do much to celebrate the years.
But I do know very well when I quit drinking, because it's a huge milestone in my life. It is simply impossible for me to dismiss it or claim that it is unimportant when my life is divided into two parts: before I quit drinking, and after.
And I will certainly tell people how long it's been when I communicate with them about addiction and recovery. I do think that having been abstinent a long time gives others hope and a positive example. More than that, the truth is that it IS different to have been abstinent for many years than it is to be just starting out. Time DOES make a difference....life is much better when one has been abstinent for many years than when one quit drinking the previous day!