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BELLEVILLE, MI – U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today honored two Original “Rosie the Riveters” at the Yankee Air Museum in Belleville, Michigan for their service during World War II. Mrs. Phyllis Roullier, 97, of Belleville and Mrs. Mary Jezowski-Serge, 94, of Allen Park are among the trailblazing women who stepped up 70 years ago to fill the factory positions traditionally held by men, producing munitions and war supplies that were critical to an Allied victory.

“Today was an important opportunity to honor two of the inspiring women who stepped up during one of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history, and helped redefine the role of women in the workplace,” said Dingell. “The Original Rosies’ bravery and resolve made victory in World War II possible, and their patriotism and hard work will forever remain part of the American story. Mary and Phyllis embody the best of American values and we will always be thankful for their strength, grace and gusto.”

Dingell was joined at the event by Kevin Walsh, executive director of the Yankee Air Museum, and local officials including Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo and Superior Township Treasurer Brenda McKinney. The ceremony took place as part of the communities’ ongoing effort to honor local Rosies for their contributions during WWII.

Phyllis Roullier of Belleville began working at the Willow Run Bomber Plant in 1941 and was tasked with various duties including assembling hydraulics and dimpling airplanes. Phyllis and the women at Willow Run produced more aircraft every month than Imperial Japan did in a year, which earned Willow Run and southeast Michigan the proud title of America’s “Arsenal of Democracy.”

Mary Jezowski-Serge of Allen Park worked at both the Cadillac Plant and Lincoln Plant in Detroit building planes, tanks, and other armaments for soldiers fighting abroad during the war. She recounts the thrill that came with climbing on top of the tanks to do her welding and was eventually honored for her hard work during the war with a plaque at the Yankee Air Museum.

Dingell will continue to honor Original Rosies throughout Michigan’s 12th District. In March, as part of Women’s History Month, Dingell and Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) welcomed the first Honor Flight of Original Rosie the Riveters to Washington, D.C. Dingell also joined more than 2,000 women, including 43 Original Rosies, at the former Willow Run Bomber Plant in October 2015 to take back the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Rosie the Riveters since WWII.