It's a noble sound of honor, and the Great Highland bagpipes have been around for hundreds of years. That unique sound is known all over the world.
"It takes quite a bit of time to practice and stay good at it," says Kevin Lynch, president of the Greater Milwaukee Police and Fire Pipes and Drums.
Kevin and his band use that skill for an important purpose. "The Great Highland bagpipe has been a traditional instrument for honoring law enforcement, firefighters, and the military."
Often that includes parades and festivals.
"We stay busy most of the year," Lynch says.
In Washington, D.C., pipers play at midnight during National Police Week at the National Law Enforcement Memorial.
"Last year, of course, the pandemic stopped everything," says Gary Byers, one of the GMPFPD band members.