Somers Point New Jersey

N.J. family finds hope for the return of a U.S. hero buried in Libya ...

Eight U.S. sailors are buried beneath Green Square in Tripoli, where the followers of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi often gather in support of their embattled leader.

Nearby are the graves of five more, in the shade of olive trees in a tiny walled cemetery that overlooks the harbor.

More than 200 years ago, Navy Master Commandant Richard Somers and a dozen volunteer crewmen sailed an explosives-laden Intrepid toward an anchored pirate fleet in the harbor.

The ship blew up before completing its mission, killing all aboard. Somers - a former University of Pennsylvania student - and his crew were recovered and buried.

But never forgotten.

Since the 1804 deaths, generations of the Somers family have worked to have the remains of the 13 Navy members bought back to the United States.

They've been joined by state and federal legislators and officials who have tried to gain Libya's permission for the repatriation - with no luck.

Now, with Gadhafi's future in doubt, some believe changes in the country might finally bring them success.

That feeling may be strongest in Somers Point, where Somers was born. The Atlantic County town was named after the naval hero's great-grandfather and residents there hold a Richard Somers Day celebration every September.

Efforts are under way to raise funds to build a monument, where Somers can someday be laid to rest.

"If a new [Libyan] regime comes in, we'd have a better chance of success," said Dean Somers, 66, a Galloway Township resident and distant relative of Richard Somers' who has worked to bring the hero home. "I think the unrest offers some hope."

Dean Somers and other supporters were encouraged last month by the introduction of a bill in the House of Representatives calling on the defense secretary to "take whatever steps may be necessary" to return Somers and his comrades.

The effort follows two 2004 New Jersey Assembly resolutions that sought the same outcome.

"We're willing to wait," said Somers Point Mayor Jack Glasser, who joined Dean Somers and others during a recent trip to Washington to encourage congressional action. "We've waited more than 206 years. What's a couple more?

"Let's get everybody together in the U.S. government so we can go to the Libyans to negotiate to bring these heroes home."

The daring attempt by Somers and his crew - like early Navy SEALs on a secret mission - captured the imagination of Americans. Six Navy ships have been successively named the Somers.

Katie and Mike's Somers Point, New Jersey Wedding – Part One ...

Year I won!

A week ago today, we drove up to Somers Point, NJ to get ready for Katie and Mike’s wedding. At that time Hurricane Earl was off the coast of Virginia/Maryland/Delaware/New Jersey, but as we drove up the east coast it seemed to lose us! We did see the clouds and the remnants of some rain when we got there (and we got to see some amazing coastal waves), but all in all, we completely lucked out with this hurricane!

Somers Point, New Jersey

Encyclopedia of New Jersey

Annual report of the Board of Public Utility Commissioners of the State of New Jersey

Early history of Atlantic County, New Jersey, record of the first year's work of Atlantic county's historical society

A history of Baptists in New Jersey