P Island Lifesavers' Historic Recognition

The video highlights the heroic actions of the P Island Lifesavers, the first all-black crew in the U.S. Life Saving Service, who performed a daring rescue during a hurricane in 1896. Despite their bravery, they were not officially recognized until 100 years later, when their descendants received medals. The video underscores the historical injustice faced by the crew and the eventual acknowledgment of their heroism.

What was unique about the P Island Lifesavers?

• They were the first crew to receive gold medals.

• They were the first all-female crew.

• They were the first all-black crew.

• They were the first crew to use motorboats.

What was one of the main duties of the P Island surfmen?

• To patrol the beaches for tourists.

• To ensure passing ships were safe.

• To manage the lighthouse operations.

• To train new recruits for the Coast Guard.

During the 1896 hurricane, what did the P Island crew do when conventional rescue methods failed?

• They used a helicopter for the rescue.

• They called for backup from neighboring stations.

• They waited for the storm to pass.

• They swam out to the wreck to save the people.

What was the outcome of the 1896 rescue by the P Island crew?

• The rescue was unsuccessful.

• The ship was lost, but the crew survived.

• Only the captain was saved.

• Everyone on the ship was saved.

Why was the P Island crew's heroic rescue initially not recognized?

• They did not follow protocol.

• The rescue was not considered significant.

• There was racial bias in awarding medals.

• The records of the rescue were lost.

What did the Coast Guard initially do when asked to recognize the P Island surfmen?

• They immediately awarded them medals.

• They turned down the request.

• They organized a ceremony.

• They sent a letter of appreciation.

How long after the 1896 rescue did the P Island surfmen receive recognition?

• 75 years later

• 150 years later

• 100 years later

• 50 years later

Who accepted the medal on behalf of the P Island surfmen?

• A Coast Guard officer

• A local historian

• William Bowser

• The President of the United States

What impact did receiving the medal have on William Bowser?

• It caused him to question the Coast Guard.

• It lifted years of anger.

• It made him feel more angry.

• It made him indifferent.

What was the significance of the medal ceremony for the descendants of the P Island surfmen?

• It was an opportunity to rewrite history.

• It was a moment of closure and recognition.

• It was a chance to demand more medals.

• It was a chance to meet the President.