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 start the Underwater March and how has it evolved over the years?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara from the Gwda Diving Association**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Leszek! Your recent underwater event to celebrate Polish patriotism is quite unique. Can you tell us about how this idea came about?
**Leszek Skwara**: Thank you for having me! The idea really was spontaneous. I’ve been diving with the flag alongside my friends for about ten years. For the last four years, we’ve made it an annual event. I initially collaborated with Jacek Jackowiak to formalize the dive, creating a dedicated Underwater March to celebrate November 11.
**Editor**: That’s fantastic! How did the event unfold this year?
**Leszek Skwara**: After the traditional singing of the national anthem on the shore, members of both the Gwda Diving Association and Brda Association from Bydgoszcz dove into the water while proudly carrying Polish flags. We swam down to a depth of 12 meters and covered several hundred meters underwater. It was a beautiful sight — a true symbolic show of patriotism beneath the waves!
**Editor**: It sounds exhilarating! Were there any special activities planned for after the dive?
**Leszek Skwara**: Absolutely! Once we resurfaced, we joined the other participants for traditional Polish delicacies waiting on the shore. We served sour rye soup, St. Martin’s croissants, cakes, and warm tea with lemon to help everyone warm up. The celebration continued with patriotic songs, creating a festive atmosphere that brought everyone together in spirit.
**Editor**: How do you think initiatives like this help in expressing patriotism?
**Leszek Skwara**: This event highlights how patriotism can be expressed in diverse and creative ways. By combining our passion for diving with our love for our homeland, we create meaningful experiences that resonate with the participants long after the event ends. It’s a wonderful way to remind everyone that our love for our country can be both visible and felt, even underwater!
**Editor**: Thank you, Leszek, for sharing these insights. It’s wonderful to see such innovative expressions of national pride.
**Leszek Skwara**: Thank you! I hope more people will join us in the future to experience this unique blend of diving and patriotism.
