Richard Somers Day

Remember Our Local Hero
Master Commandant, U.S. Navy
Richard Somers

Sunday, September 4th 3:00 P.M.
Ceremony Will Be Held in the park next to the Somers Point branch of the Atlantic County
Library, 801 Shore Road, Somers Point, NJ 08244 at 3:00 P.M. this year
(ceremony is free to the public)
The ceremony will include a re-telling of the events of Richard Somers
and the crew of the Intrepid as well as a dramatic reading

Fund Raiser Event to follow at 4:00 P.M
Reception with light refreshments immediately after the ceremony at
Sal’s Coal Fired Pizza, 501 New Road, Somers Point, NJ 08244
Tickets for the event are $35.00 and can be obtained by contacting
Seth Grossman / Executive Director of Liberty & Prosperity – 609-927-7333
or by visiting the Liberty & Prosperity’s website and clicking the donate tab

Events Archive – Liberty and Prosperity

Each year a memorial remembrance is held for local historic native Richard Somers and the crew from the Intrepid. Richard Somers, born and raised in Somers Point, NJ, was a Captain in the US Navy. While in command of the US Navy ship, the Nautilus, Richard Somers was fighting against the Barbary Pirates in the Mediterranean. Under the command of Edward Preble, Captain Somers conceived a courageous plan. His plan was to fit up the ketch, Intrepid, as a fire ship and sail her into Tripoli Harbor and explode her amongst the enemy ships. The Intrepid was fitted with 1500 pounds of gunpowder, a quantity of shells, shot, broken iron, and combustibles. Knowing this mission could mean death, all men volunteered under Captain Somers. One the eve of September 3, 1804, the Intrepid, entered Tripoli Harbor. A sudden explosion was seen by Preble’s fleet outside the harbor. The Intrepid took fire sooner than intended, taking the lives of Captain Somers and all 12 of his crew members.