the family to sleep in; cooking by a fireplace, etc. , until different arrangements could be made. "
With the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, and the return home of World War I veterans, a need was felt for an organization of these men to continue serving their country in peace as they had in war. On Saturday evening, December 20, 1919, a group of 50 veterans gathered at the Roland Record office to organize a post of the American Legion. Those who organized this meeting and applied for a Legion charter were Carl A. Smedal, Iver J. Iverson, Orville H. Olson, Otis B. Ferkin, Osvald P. Solem, Conrad A. Fagerland, Louis E. Hill, Otto J. Hanson, Arthur J. Rod, Elroy Hegland, Andrew A. Alvestad, Henry M. Bakka, Lars J. Skromme, Amos J. Twedt, and Orville L. Evenson.
Carl Smedal was elected the first Commander, and Dr. J. A. Snyder, Adjutant. A membership committee was appointed to sign up veterans as members of the Post. Regular monthly meetings were held at various locations until the members purchased their present building on Main street in 1948.
The Legion Post has been one of the most active organizations in the Roland community, providing service to veterans and the entire community. The Legion Hall has been a popular meeting place for many groups and is an asset to the community, and the Post is one of the most active small town Posts in the state.
The Roland American Legion Auxiliary was organized July 9, 1919, when 12 women met at the Roland school house. The name selected for the organization was Roland Unit 307, and the purpose of the group was to honor all veterans from Roland who had served in World War I. The unit was granted its charter April 28, 1922.
Charter members of the Auxiliary were Miss Carrie Skromme, Miss Ragna Sherven, and Mesdames Martha Skromme, Mae Erickson, Martha Olson, Severie Parker, Ida Hanson, Malinda Bakka, Ove Holland, Christian Logan, Anna Snyder, and Adelaide Smedal.
The homes of members provided meeting places until the Roland Legion Hall was built in 1948. A Junior Auxiliary was formed in 1964 and presently has a membership of 16 girls.
The Legion Auxiliary has been one of the most active organizations in the community. They have responded to requests for assistance from the Veterans Hospitals in Des Moines and Knoxville and the Iowa Soldiers Home in Marshalltown, have come to the aid of local persons needing help, and have fostered patriotism among children through their poppy poster and Girls' State programs. They also play an important role in the annual Memorial Day services, and cooperate with other organizations in community service activities.
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