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!
## Interview with Leszek Skwara from Gwda Diving Association
## Interview with Leszek Skwara from Gwda Diving Association
**Interviewer:** Leszek, thank you for joining us today! It sounds like the underwater event you organized for November 11 was quite a spectacle. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to dive with flags?
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! The idea really came together spontaneously. I’ve been diving with my friends for about 10 years, though I’ve done it on and off. About four years ago, I teamed up with Jacek Jackowiak, and we thought it would be a fantastic way to combine our love for diving with our passion for our country. Diving with the Polish flag symbolizes our patriotism in a unique way.
**Interviewer:** It must have been an incredible experience! What did the actual dive involve?
**Leszek Skwara:** It was! After we sang the national anthem, my fellow divers from the Gwda Diving Association and the Brda Association from Bydgoszcz plunged into the water, carrying Polish flags. We swam about several hundred meters at a depth of up to 12 meters. It’s definitely a challenge to maintain coordination and security while showcasing our national pride underwater.
**Interviewer:** That sounds intense! After surfacing, what was waiting for you on the shore?
**Leszek Skwara:** Once we resurfaced, we joined others to celebrate together. On the shore, we had traditional Polish delicacies like sour rye soup, St. Martin’s croissants, and cake. There was also hot tea with lemon to warm us up after the dive. The atmosphere was festive, filled with the sounds of patriotic songs. It really brought the community together in honour of the holiday.
**Interviewer:** It’s wonderful how you managed to blend patriotism with your passion for diving. How do you think events like these impact how people express their love for their country?
**Leszek Skwara:** I believe that patriotism can be expressed in many ways, not just through traditional means but also through unique events like ours. This dive showcased that love for our homeland can be celebrated even underwater. It leaves a lasting impression, creating memories that participants will cherish for years to come.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Leszek! It’s inspiring to see such creativity in celebrating national pride. Here’s hoping for many more dives in the future!
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to it.