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!
What inspired Leszek Skwara to create the underwater march event with the Gwda Diving Association?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara from the Gwda Diving Association**
*Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Leszek! What an amazing event you participated in on November 11th! Could you tell us how the idea of an underwater march came about?*
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! The idea sort of came to me spontaneously about four years ago, together with my friend Jacek Jackowiak. We’ve both been passionate about diving for many years, and we wanted to combine that love with a unique way to celebrate our national pride. So we decided to make this event an annual tradition.
*Interviewer: It sounds incredible! Can you walk us through what the event looked like this year?*
**Leszek Skwara:** Absolutely! After the traditional singing of the national anthem, several of us from the Gwda Diving Association and the Brda Association jumped into the water carrying Polish flags. We swam several hundred meters at a depth of up to 12 meters, creating an underwater march. It was such a powerful and emotional experience, representing our love for Poland while embracing the adventure of diving.
*Interviewer: That certainly paints a vivid picture! How did participants and spectators celebrate once everyone was back on the surface?*
**Leszek Skwara:** Once we surfaced, everyone joined together on shore to celebrate. We had traditional Polish delicacies waiting—sour rye soup, St. Martin’s croissants, and cake, along with hot tea to warm up. Throughout the event, patriotic songs played, filling the air with a sense of unity and pride. It was wonderful to see so many people coming together, whether they were divers or spectators, to honor our country.
*Interviewer: What message do you think this unconventional expression of patriotism sends to others?*
**Leszek Skwara:** I believe it shows that patriotism can be expressed in many creative and unique ways. Whether on land or underwater, it’s all about celebrating our history, culture, and the community. Encouraging people to explore their passions while honoring their homeland is really what this event is all about. And it’s a reminder that we can unite in unexpected ways.
*Interviewer: That’s a beautiful sentiment, Leszek. Thank you for sharing your experience and insights with us today! We look forward to seeing how this event grows in the future.*
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to share our love for diving and our country. We’re excited to continue making memories and celebrating together in years to come.
