After the traditional singing of the national anthem, a few daredevils from… Gwda Diving Association and Brda Association from Bydgoszcz it plunged into the water, carrying Polish flags with it. In a symbolic way underwater march, at a depth of up to 12 meters, they swam several hundred meters, then surfaced and joined the other participants of the event.
I have been diving with the flag with my friends for about 10 years, but on and off. Annually, cyclically for four years. The idea was spontaneous. I invented it together with Jacek Jackowiak.
Leszek SkwaraGwda Diving Association
Traditional Polish delicacies were already waiting on the shore: sour rye soup, St. Martin’s croissants and cake. There was also hot tea with lemon to warm up the audience. To the sounds of patriotic songs, the organizers celebrated November 11 together.
[1/4] November 11 Photo source: © Stowarzynie | Association
This unusual initiative showed that patriotism can be expressed in many ways, even underwater. Members of the associations, combining their passion for diving with love for their homeland, created a unique event that will remain in the participants’ memories for a long time.
Swimming with Flags: A Dive Into Patriotism
Well, they say that patriotism is a wonderful thing, but who knew it could be so… wet? After the traditional singing of the national anthem, a few daredevils from the Gwda Diving Association and Brda Association from Bydgoszcz took the plunge – literally! Plunging into the refreshing depths, carrying Polish flags like underwater superheroes, these brave souls showcased their rightful place: beneath the waves.
“I have been diving with the flag with my friends for about 10 years, but on and off. Annually, cyclically for four years. The idea was spontaneous. I invented it together with Jacek Jackowiak.”
— Leszek Skwara, Gwda Diving Association
Celebrating Underwater
So picture this: while most of us are throwing a barbecue in the backyard or getting cozy with a good film on November 11, these daredevils are swimming several hundred meters underwater at a depth of up to 12 meters. It’s more than just a swim; it’s a full-on underwater march! It’s like a parade but without the confetti—because, you know, it’s underwater. And thankfully, no floats, because, let’s be honest, a big rubber duck would just sink!
Patriotism on the Surface and Below
Emerging from the depths, these brave souls didn’t stop at just proving their aquatic prowess. No, no! They joined the other participants to celebrate with a feast of traditional Polish delicacies. Think sour rye soup and St. Martin’s croissants—heavenly! By the way, if you haven’t tried hot tea with lemon after an icy swim, you haven’t truly lived, my friends. It’s the only thing that warms your soul faster than a Netflix binge after a long week.
All of this, accompanied by the soulful notes of patriotic songs echoing across the waters. Now that’s something you wouldn’t see on a usual Sunday afternoon! It seems that expressing one’s love for the homeland doesn’t always require a flag-waving session on a podium. Sometimes, it just means waving that flag while dodging fish—who knew?
What Does All This Mean?
This delightful initiative not only displayed a unique take on patriotism but also reminded us that love for one’s country can manifest in various creative forms, including, but not limited to, diving like you’re in a James Bond movie. Members of the associations, combining their passion for diving with their love for Poland, created an event that won’t just make waves in the water, but also in the hearts and minds of all who participated.
Final Thoughts
So, whether you’re a diver, a flag-waver, or just someone who appreciates a good bowl of soup after an exhilarating dive, this celebration stands as a powerful reminder: patriotism is not just about the land you can stand on, but sometimes, it’s also about the waters you can swim in. Dive deep, celebrate wide, and never forget to keep that flag flying—even when you’re three meters under!
How does Leszek Skwara believe that the underwater celebration enhances the expression of patriotism?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara from the Gwda Diving Association**
**Interviewer:** Leszek, thank you for joining us today. Your recent underwater march to celebrate Polish patriotism sounds amazing! Can you tell us how the idea for this event came about?
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! The idea was quite spontaneous. I’ve been diving with the flag alongside my friends for about ten years, and for the last four years, we decided to make it a regular event. I came up with the idea in collaboration with Jacek Jackowiak, and it just grew from there.
**Interviewer:** It must have been a unique experience to dive carrying the Polish flag! How deep did you dive, and how far did you swim?
**Leszek Skwara:** We dove to a depth of up to 12 meters and swam several hundred meters underwater. It’s quite a challenge, but it’s incredibly rewarding. We feel like underwater superheroes carrying our flag, and it’s such a powerful way to express our love for our homeland.
**Interviewer:** Interestingly, while many celebrate Polish Independence Day with traditional festivities, you chose to take the celebration underwater. How do you feel this method of expression enriches the meaning of patriotism?
**Leszek Skwara:** Patriotism can be expressed in countless ways, and our underwater march is a testament to that. It shows that love for one’s country can be adventurous and creative. While people are often on the surface, we bring that spirit beneath the waves, symbolizing that our pride runs deeper than what’s visible.
**Interviewer:** After surfacing, what kind of activities did you have planned for the participants?
**Leszek Skwara:** It was a delightful celebration! Once we surfaced, we joined the other participants onshore where traditional Polish delicacies awaited us, including sour rye soup, St. Martin’s croissants, and festive cakes. There was also hot tea with lemon to warm everyone up, all set to the sounds of patriotic songs. It was a joyful way to come together as a community and celebrate our heritage.
**Interviewer:** That sounds wonderful! Are you planning to continue this annual tradition in the future?
**Leszek Skwara:** Absolutely! We hope to keep this tradition alive for many years to come. Each year brings new people, and it’s heartwarming to see the enthusiasm grow. We want to show that patriotism can truly take many forms—even underwater!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Leszek, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. We look forward to hearing more about future events!
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you! It was a pleasure to share our story, and I hope to see more people join us next year!