chicago History: Korean War Begins, Wrigley Field Twilight Game, and Weather Extremes on June 25

Today,June 25,marks a day of diverse historical significance for the Chicago area,encompassing pivotal moments from global conflicts to local sports and weather phenomena. From the chilling dawn of the korean War to a historic baseball game under the twilight sky, and record-breaking weather conditions, June 25 is etched in Chicago’s memory.

Korean War’s Start Witnessed by Chicago Reporter

on june 25, 1950, the Korean War erupted as North Korean forces launched a full-scale invasion across the 38th parallel [1]. Walter Simmons, a reporter for the Tribune, was among the first U.S.correspondents to provide eyewitness accounts from Seoul. His reporting offered crucial early insights into the conflict that would draw in international powers.

President Harry Truman’s response was swift,ordering U.S. ground forces into action by june 30, 1950. He declared that the invasion of Korea demonstrated communism’s shift from subversion to armed conquest.

Did You Know? An estimated 298,000 Illinois residents served during the Korean War era [2].

Remembering Illinois’ Korean War Veterans

The sacrifices of illinoisans during the Korean War are important. Approximately 298,000 residents served, with 1,789 never returning home [2]. This includes 396 soldiers listed as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action (POW/MIA) who remain unaccounted for to this day [2].

A permanent memorial near 113th and Western Avenue in Chicago commemorates the armistice that ended the conflict in 1953. Each year, the Marine Corps League and Windy City Veterans conduct a flag-raising ceremony at this site [3].

wrigley Field’s First Twilight Game

In a lighter moment of Chicago history, June 25, 1943, marked the Chicago Cubs’ first twilight game at Wrigley Field. The Cubs faced off against the St.Louis Cardinals, beginning the game at 6 p.m. Despite the late start, Major League Baseball still considered it a day game. The Cubs emerged victorious, shutting out the Cardinals 6-0.

Pro Tip: Wrigley Field did not host its first official night game until 45 years later.

Chicago’s Weather Extremes on June 25

Chicago’s weather history on June 25 is marked by extremes. The city sweltered under a high of 103 degrees Fahrenheit in 1988. Conversely, a chilly low of 41 degrees was recorded in 1986. Precipitation reached a staggering 4.58 inches in 1959, while a trace amount of snowfall surprised residents in 2024, according to the National Weather Service, Chicago.