(AP) - During Operation Desert Storm, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Connell practiced his bagpipes outside every day. He practiced at a Kuwaiti military base, while wearing his kilt, sporran, dress shoes ...

1st Class Michael Connell pose for a photo in a living room holding their military bagpipes in Reno, Nev. Michael Connell served for the Nevada Air National Guard, and now he serves in the U.S. Army.

But bagpipe music played sweetly at funerals—particularly those of firefighters, military men and women, police officers—can comfort humans at their most heartbroken and vulnerable.