In June 1989 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional the Texas law against flag-burning, triggering an effort to amend the U.S. constitution. This article traces the history of that amendment to its defeat a year later, and subsequent events in the controversy through 1995.

The signal flags used from the 1600s in America’s coastal whale fishery echoed those employed by the English, Dutch, and Basques on the other side of the Atlantic. Using signal towers on land helped alert communities to the presence of whales. This paper traces their use into the 1900s.

The IDF utilizes three types of symbols on its flags and related devices: biblical, Zionist, and new symbols. This article describes the breadth of these symbols, and explains why the two most likely Israeli symbols—the Star of David and the menorah—are seldom employed.

In 1992 the former Soviet republic of Turkmenistan adopted a completely new flag, using as primary charges five “guls” or carpet medallions. The article explains the complex geometry and symbolism of the flag, including why the crescent points toward the hoist, unlike most other Islamic flags.

During the past 275 years the thousands of yacht clubs in the world have shared a common symbol—a burgee. Individuals, club officers, and events all used flags. This article provides an overview of the subject and suggests a classification system.