Phyllis Gallant went into the Navy in February 1944. She had finished her nurse's schooling and decided to go into the service. She took basic training at Hunter College in New York. She took her Navy nursing training at St Albins College on Long Island and then on to her permanent duty station at Norfolk, Va. “We worked on the wards taking care of vets that were coming home with injuries from World War II at the military hospital there.” She also participated in variety shows to entertain the troops there. She spent two years in the service.

She married her husband, Seymour, who was a Merchant Marine, during the war and had three sons and one daughter. She joined The American Legion just after she got out of the Navy in 1959. She joined All Woman’s Legion Post 419. They met at the GAR hall on Pearl St. in Worcester. They were the first post that provided parties for the special needs in the Worcester area. She continued at that post for about 10 years until it started to decline. Many of the women transferred to other local posts, and eventually the charter was turned in.

Phyllis transferred to Chester P Tuttle Post 279 right away and was made assistant chaplain, the position she had at the All Woman’s Post. She became chaplain when Phil Johnson passed away and remained until George Roberts took on the job. Phyllis remained as assistant and is still in that position.

Phyllis carried the American flag for 50 years leading the Memorial Day Parade and was named grand marshal when she could no longer march the whole route. After that she rode on her son David’s motorcycle in the parade for the following year, and rode on her other son Stephen’s motorcycle in the 100-year birthday celebration parade of The American Legion in Spencer.

She has been given many awards including the John Riley Outstanding Citizenship Award and the Boston Post Cane Award.

Phyllis has been a member of The American Legion for 67 years and on March 8 celebrated her 105th birthday at the post with all her family and friends.