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 organizing unique events like underwater flag diving contribute to building community among participants?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara of the Gwda Diving Association**
**Interviewer:** Leszek, thank you for joining us today. Your recent underwater event to commemorate Polish patriotism on November 11 sounds truly unique. Can you tell us what inspired you to start this initiative?
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! The idea for the underwater flag diving event actually came to me quite spontaneously. I’ve been diving with friends for about ten years, and we’ve celebrated our patriotism in various ways. However, it was just about four years ago when I sat down with my friend Jacek Jackowiak, and we thought, why not combine our love for diving with our pride in Poland? That’s how this underwater march began.
**Interviewer:** That’s a fantastic way to blend passions! How did the event unfold this year, especially considering the usual celebrations around November 11?
**Leszek Skwara:** This year, it started with singing the national anthem, which set a beautiful tone for the day. After that, we dove into the water carrying Polish flags. We swam several hundred meters at depths of up to 12 meters. It really felt like a unique underwater parade, a demonstration of our national pride beneath the waves.
**Interviewer:** It sounds exhilarating! What was the atmosphere like both underwater and on the surface?
**Leszek Skwara:** Underwater, it was serene and almost surreal, swimming with the flags while surrounded by water. Above the surface, there was a festive spirit. We had traditional Polish delicacies waiting on the shore, like sour rye soup and St. Martin’s croissants, along with hot tea to warm everyone up. As people gathered, patriotic songs filled the air, creating a lovely community vibe.
**Interviewer:** It seems like a wonderful way to celebrate! In your view, what does this event say about patriotism?
**Leszek Skwara:** I believe it shows that patriotism can be expressed in many creative ways. Whether it’s through sports, art, or even underwater activities, what matters is the love for one’s country. Our event highlights that connection—combining our passion for diving with a heartfelt tribute to Poland.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Leszek! It’s inspiring to see how such meaningful expressions of patriotism can also create lasting memories for participants.
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you! I hope this event continues to grow and inspire others to find their unique ways to celebrate their heritage.
