Today in history

Today is the 134th day of 2022 and the 56th day of spring.

Today’s history: In 1940, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill gave his “blood, toil, tears and sweat” speech to the British House of Commons as Germany’s conquest of France began.

nIn 1607, the Virginia Company of London established a colony at Jamestown, Virginia.

nIn 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark left St. Louis and set out on their historic expedition to explore the land acquired in the Louisiana Purchase.

nIn 1940, the Netherlands surrendered to Nazi Germany.

nIn 1948, the State of Israel was proclaimed during a ceremony in Tel Aviv.

nIn 1973, Skylab, the first American space station, was launched into orbit.

Today’s fact: The United States paid a total of $15 million for the entire Louisiana Purchase -- a little more than $18 per square mile.

Today’s sports: In 1913, Washington Senators pitcher Walter Johnson ended his scoreless pitching streak at 55 2/3 innings, setting a record that stood for 55 years.

Today’s quote:”The thing that makes love stories work, in my opinion, in movies and novels and country & western songs, is the feeling of longing.” -- Robert Zemeckis

Today’s number: 108 -- Virginia Company members who set out from London to establish Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in what would become the United States.

Today’s moon: Between first quarter moon (May 8) and full moon (May 15).