So first I notice those little flagpoles with the flags flying above the towns. And on closer inspection I realize that some are at halfmast, some are all the way up the flagpole. And then I remember reading something about that several years ago, but can't for the life of me remember what it means.
So my question is: what are those flags on the flagpoles, and why are some of them at half mast and some of them flying at the top of the pole. It's not random.