Chestnut Neck Memorial Service
Saturday, October 10, 2020

On Saturday October 10, 2020, the Col. Richard Somers Chapter of the NJSSAR held its annual memorial event in observance of the Battle of Chestnut Neck (October 6, 1778). This event has been held by the chapter for many years, but this was the first since it was named a National Event by the SAR. There was a good turnout by the SAR, DAR, public, and governmental officials, and long-term Chapter members noted it was the largest in their memory. The National SAR Color Guard Commander, Lou Raborg, and several members of the NJSSAR Color Guard made a very impressive display presenting and retiring the colors. Rev. Norman Goos, President of the Col. Sommers Chapter, presented the story of Chestnut Neck, explaining the importance of its privateering industry to the American efforts during the Revolutionary War. In fact, it was important enough for the British to send a large force to shut down “that nest of pirates.” The British forces re-captured some of the pirated supplies, burned the village and the privateer ships moored in the port. After destroying the village, the British had plans to move further inland, but upon hearing American troops were on the way, they retreated to their ships and left the area, destroying one of their own vessels which had run aground. Within a very short time the port was back in operation and the privateers were back in business. After Norm’s talk the wreaths were laid at the monument to the privateers, and dignitaries gave comments about the importance of these types of events to the preservation of American history.

The dignitaries in attendance included: Lou Raborg, Commander, National SAR Color Guard, Robert Meyer, President, NJSSAR, Jeanine Ingenito, Regent, General Lafayette Chapter DAR, John Risley, Vice-Chair, Atlantic County Board of Freeholders, James Curcio, Atlantic County Surrogate, and Tony DePietro, Galloway Township Council.