June 26

In 699, En no Ozuno, a renowned mystic and herbalist, is banished to the volcanic island of Izu Ōshima. His exile becomes the crucible for the development of Shugendō, a mountain-based ascetic faith. Legends speak of Ozuno communing with spirits and mastering herbal remedies amid isolation. Over time, his teachings blend Shinto, Buddhist, and folk practices into a unified path. Shugendō rituals and pilgrimages to Japan’s sacred peaks trace back to his influence. The Yamato court’s decision to banish him reflects wariness toward unconventional figures. En no Ozuno’s legacy endures in Japanese religious culture for centuries to come.

Instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856 to honor extraordinary valor in the Crimean War and beyond. On June 26, 1857, over sixty soldiers and sailors gathered in Hyde Park for the first formal investiture. Recipients received the bronze Maltese cross directly from Victoria in a historic royal ceremony. This inaugural event established a tradition of recognizing gallantry "in the face of the enemy" at the highest level. The Victoria Cross would go on to become the British Empire's most prestigious military decoration.

The Cyclone, designed by Vernon Keenan and built by Harry C. Baker and Vernon Keenan, opened on June 26, 1927, at Coney Island. Its daring 85-foot drops and tight turns on a wooden structure captured the public's imagination and became a cultural icon. Despite storms and changes in ownership, the Cyclone has remained in continuous operation for nearly a century. Designated a New York City landmark, it symbolizes the golden age of American amusement parks and engineering ingenuity. Riders today still queue for its historic thrills and panoramic views of Brooklyn's coastline.