If Lillian Burry was told the rules wouldn’t allow it, she calmly said, “Change the rules.”
If she was told it was a great idea, she responded, “It’s more than a great idea. Just do it.”
And State Senator Vin Gopal said he had been “trying to beat Lillian for years!” Then decided the best thing to do was to join her.
These and so many other comments on the qualities of Monmouth County Commissioner Lillian Burry…determined, indefatigable, tenacious, patriotic, …were included in everyone’s description when the Lillian G. Burry Women’s Wing was formally dedicated Thursday, May 18 at the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community on Essex Road, Tinton Falls.
Built by Soldier On and the Winn Companies, the 70-apartment complex is a home for homeless veterans with a separate ten-unit wing of the development named in Burry’s honor for “her unwavering civic spirit, patriotism and perseverance in creating the Village.
Former LT. Governor Kim Guadagno, several former Assemblymen including Serena DiMaso, members of the County Board of Commissioners and local municipal leaders and an overflow crowd of other political and civic leaders as well as family and friends overflowed the tent for the outdoor ceremony honoring the Commissioner with many telling of how she overcame numerous obstacles and was instrumental in acquiring both the land and the funding to create a first of its kind facility for veterans.
Jessica Rohr, Director of Public Affairs and Outreach for Congressman Chris Smith, who was in Washington and unable to attend the ceremony, presented a framed statement of the Congressional Record in which Smith also praised the tenacity and untiring efforts of Burry, not only for Soldier ON but also for every opportunity help veterans or active-duty military.
David Ginsberg, senior vice president for Winn Development served as master of ceremonies and introduced the half dozen speakers who praised and thanked the commissioner. Former state Commissioner of Community Affairs Chuck Richman said the facility would never have been possible without the driving force of Commissioner Burry, a theme carried out by Gopal, William Wollinger, Chief Asset Officer for the firm, and Bruce Buckley, CEO and President of Soldier On.
Carol Jones, an Army veteran originally from Montclair, and a current resident of the Women’s Wing, told guests how the facility has been a saving force in her life. Admitting to making poor mistakes during her years after the Army, Jones thanked Mrs. Burry for her determination and her dedication towards helping the men and women who have protected the nation.
It was Bruck Buckley who drew the most affectionate applause and laughter of all of Mrs. Burry’s talents when he gave a list of “non-quotes…_ things you would never hear Lillian Burry say. Buckley said Burry would never been known to say, “It can’t be done!” or “I give up!”
He noted the importance of the Veterans Village and quoting from the national anthem that America is the home of the free and the land of the brace, the nation also has the obligation of providing a suitable home for the brave.
In acknowledging all the applause, commendations, compliments, and gifts presented during the ceremony, Burry said the work was not hers, but praised Buckley and all the other men and women who fought with her to secure the funding and the land as well as cut through all the red tape necessary to construct the first of its kind facility after her husband, retired Coast Guard Captain Don Burry, had seen an article about housing for veterans in need.
A reception and a tour of the facility followed the ceremony.
