July 26, 1953 End of Korean Conflict

Sometimes, like today, the idea behind the article isn’t so much a historical event, as a reflection on another topic.

Dewitt’s diary for this date ends with the comment, “They signed Korean treaty which should stop the War in Korea tonight at 9 o’clock.”

Looking up the Korean War to get a better idea of the timeline I was struck by the difference in the date. History records the end of the war as July 27, 1953.

It is in reading, and understanding time zones, that explains the difference.

Ithaca Journal, "Today in History," June 20, 2017 “Summer begins at 9:24 p.m. Pacific time/10:24 p.m. Mountain time 11:24 p.m. Central time (12:24 a.m. Eastern time June 21).

Dewitt would often make notes throughout the day in his diary. Today’s is certainly an example when he begins with the morning temperature, notes what happened during the day, and then at the end of the day records a final item. There is also a degree of hope, “should stop,” in his words.

Dewitt, born in 1899, knew veterans of the Civil War, classmates who served in World War I, and the waiting for letters from his son, Leland, and his return from World War II.

Whatever date is used, July 26 or July 27, the end of the Korean war was an event to be thankful for, and another chance to be hopeful for peace.

Dewitt’s Diary, Sunday, July 26, 1953

Temperature 70, strong south wind and mostly cloudy.

The sun was out steady most of the day and it was hot. Temperature 85 at 7 o’clock this evening. We stayed around home all day.

Some are combining oats. Wheat is too high in moisture.

Lake water is very warm.

Report is for thunder showers for late tonight and tomorrow.

They signed Korean treaty which should stop the War in Korea tonight at 9 o’clock.