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He cites the simplicity of a tune that consists of just 24 notes, and he marvels at the effect those notes have on people, once they exit a trumpet or bugle.

“Taps more than any other tune brings people together,” said Clarke, who lives in Bow. “It doesn’t matter what your politics is. Those 24 notes do something to people when they hear it.”

The power of those notes could be heard from the foot of Clarke’s long driveway each night this summer at 6, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. His third season of paying tribute to those who have died in wars ended on Monday, and his dedication and thoughtfulness touched Jen Griffin, who nominated Clarke for the Monitor’s Hometown Hero award.

Clarke got the idea to begin his own tradition after he saw “100 Nights of Taps” on the internet, created to honor the soldiers buried at Gettysburg National Cemetery. As you might have guessed, that tradition runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

“I saw it there and immediately thought, ‘I can do that,’ ” Clarke said. “Just go to the top of the driveway and play taps.”

This summer, for the first time, Clarke added the Ukrainian National Anthem, saying it was the least he could do to pay tribute to the thousands of soldiers and civilians who have perished under the military might of Russia.

He made a living out of helping others, dedicating his life to working with adults and children with chronic health conditions, helping them live a more independent life. He opened his own clinic at his home and retired 10 years ago.
He was raised in Concord and started playing the trumpet when he was 10. He played in a high school band, The Swing Kings, and tooted his own horn in dance bands for 17 years.

He took a break from playing while earning his master’s degree in guidance and counseling. He’d later make that his life’s work. He served in the Navy for four years.

Some time afterward, Clarke dusted off his trumpet and began playing again. It was only recently, however, that he chose to turn his trumpet into a different kind of instrument. One that promotes unity.

He blew “Taps” for the first time on Memorial Day, 2020, just two months after Covid stopped the world. Clarke figured it was a good time to get outside and play something meaningful. No matter how short the song was. In this case, 24 powerful and significant notes.

The past two years, Clarke’s trumpeting filled the air, reaching other areas of his neighborhood and attracting curious people. A small crowd.

They were touched. They were moved. They sought out the source.
“He started during 2020 and it was a real mood-lifter for all in the area to hear live music,” Jen Griffin, Clarke’s nominator, wrote in an email. “The neighborhood so appreciates his talent and commitment to music.”

Added Clarke, “I did not do it (to attract) an audience. When I started, maybe my neighbors far from here, a few of them, could hear me.”

Soon, someone tipped off WMUR after his debut performance. Chronicle came calling later. As word spread, Clarke had to adjust.

He’s a self-described introvert whose wife, Jennifer, died from lung cancer three years ago, ending her courageous eight-year struggle. Jennifer was the extrovert.

For three years running, though, Peter has drawn the spotlight.

“I don’t mind being alone,” Clarke said, “but the problem I am finding is that now I see people who know me. A state trooper walked by and said, ‘You play the trumpet, right?’ ”

He said about 50 people showed up last Labor Day. That included local cops and State Troopers. He has one more gig, on Sept. 11, to honor the victims of war.

The civilians.

“It’s nerve-wracking because I’m not used to it,” Clarke said. “This is sacred. People think this is just for veterans, but it’s more than that. It’s played at people’s funerals.

“It does something, and I guess that gets into your soul.”