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Parade Commotion

In 1952, a seemingly sensible change in the starting time of the traditional Thanksgiving Day parade caused such a ruckus that it almost cost Police Commissioner his job. Thousands would protest, a newspaper would editorialize against it, clergymen denounce it. The problem—the Commissioner wanted to change the time of the City-Poly game back from 2:00 to 11:00. And came close to being arrested for starting a riot.

Gil Sandler was born and raised in Baltimore -- a circumstance he considers fortunate and one he does not want you to forget. He attended public school (P.S. #59, Garrison Junior High, Baltimore City College, Class of 1941) and then served in the United States Navy.