In 1941, as the nation entered World War II, sons and daughters of Lakewood left their regular lives to serve the country. In March 1942, the village built an honor roll to recognize their commitments, taking the initiative because there was no American Legion Post or museum, and local artist Pike Ward painted the names of the enlistees. By the end of the war, more than 200 village residents had been placed on the board. The board later disappeared mysteriously in the late 1950s and was never found despite a search, but a photograph survived with all the names visible. The Lakewood Museum then undertook a project to honor these heroes, invited American Legion Post #1286 to join, and through a successful drive had the honor roll reproduced by Hanson Sign Companies of Falconer, NY. After difficulties over where to place it in the village, it was installed at American Legion Post #1286 at 124 Chautauqua Avenue, where it can be viewed.