TRENTON — Legislation Assemblymen Bob Andrzejczak and Bruce Land sponsored to urge the federal government to work to bring the body of a New Jersey native who died during a 19th century war in the Mediterranean back to U.S. soil was advanced Thurs. by an Assembly committee.
The measure (AR-173) memorializes the U.S. Secretary of State to negotiate with Libya for the return of the remains of Master Commandant Richard Somers. The Great Egg Harbor native, who died at age 25 and was buried in Tripoli in 1804, was the great-grandson of John Somers, founder of Somers Point.
“The United States Armed Forces do not leave anyone behind, regardless of where or when they fought for this country,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland), who served with the U.S. Army in Iraq. “Somers and his crew made the ultimate sacrifice in Libya, and they deserve a return home.”
While he was in command of the Intrepid, Somers and his 12-member crew died during a Sept. 4, 1804 nighttime raid on the Tripoli harbor. Somers has been memorialized by the Navy, with at least six naval warships bearing his name and a monument standing at the United States Naval Academy, but the remains of Somers and his crew are buried in an unkempt cemetery in Tripoli.
“Somers gave his life to promote the interests of a young nation founded on the principles of liberty and freedom,” said Land (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland), who served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. “Our country must honor him by negotiating for the repatriation of his remains.”
The resolution was advanced by the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
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