Today in history

Today is Friday, November 3, the 307th day of 2017 and the 43rd day of autumn.

On this date in the SCV: In 1944, The Signal reported that Representative Harry R. Sheppard addressed the Colton American Legion Post, on the subject of veterans’ legislation. He declared, “The veterans are returning by the thousands; both whole and disabled. ... We have never had the number of bewildered, puzzled, out-of-tune G.I. Joes that are returning or wlll return, as we have now and will have in the future. Nor have our soldiers faced such a hellish, fiendish monster of war as have these boys.”

Today’s Highlights in History:

In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2 with a dog named Laika aboard. Laika was the first creature to be sent into orbit. In 1964, residents of Washington, D.C., were eligible to vote in the presidential election for the first time since the city was established in 1800.

In 1992, Democrat Bill Clinton defeated incumbent Republican George Bush and independent candidate Ross Perot to win the U.S. presidency.

In 2014, One World Trade Center opened in New York City.

Today’s fact: Though he didn’t receive a single electoral vote, third-party candidate Ross Perot won 18.9 percent of the popular vote nationally in 1992.

Today’s sports: In 1990, opposing quarterbacks David Klingler of Houston and Matt Vogler of Texas Christian University achieved a combined 80 completions, 1,253 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. Houston won 56-35.

Today’s number: 162 – days Sputnik 2 was in orbit. Laika, its canine passenger, died within hours of the launch due to overheating.

Today’s moon: Full moon (Nov. 3).