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: żurek, 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.
Underwater Patriotism: A Dive into Polish National Pride
So there we were, just your average November 11th, with people cozying up with hot tea and some cheeky St. Martin’s croissants on the shores of Bydgoszcz—because let’s face it, nothing says “I love my country” quite like a few carbs and a lovely cuppa! But wait, what’s happening? A group of daredevils from the Gwda Diving Association and the Brda Association decided to take their love for Poland underwater. Literally!
Now, I’ve seen many things in my life, but swimming with a Polish flag at a depth of 12 meters while singing about your homeland—that’s a new one! These brave souls took the plunge, and I don’t mean just metaphorically. To the delight of the onlookers, they embarked on what can only be described as an underwater march of epic proportions (or perhaps just a very enthusiastic swim with patriotic flair).
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
Ah, the spontaneity of a great idea! It’s like deciding, on a whim in a pub, to take a dive—literally—into the deep end of life (and by life, I mean a lake decorated with national flags). And let’s not forget about the Polish delicacies waiting on shore. Because if you’re not toasting your patriotism with a steaming bowl of żurek, then are you really celebrating?
A Dive into National Pride
It’s refreshing to see such a quirky display of patriotism. I mean, who needs parades when you can have a bunch of goggled warriors battling the underwater depths? This unusual initiative is a reminder that love for one’s country can manifest in the most unexpected ways. Did Shakespeare ever write about the Bard of the Bottom of the Lake? No, well, maybe he should have!
As the sounds of patriotic songs echoed through the air, the participants of this aquatic adventure proved that you can dive deep into your national pride, quite literally. And let’s be honest—if you can swim with your flag while keeping a straight face, you deserve a medal. Or at the very least, a hot tea and a slice of cake to warm up after your undulating national display.
Creative Spontaneity
The beauty of such initiatives lies in their spontaneous nature. Who would’ve thought that a simple idea thought up by Leszek and Jacek could morph into such an iconic event? Just a couple of mates deciding to combine their passion for diving with a dash of nationalism, and voilà—a tradition is born! It’s like if your mates decided to have a barbecue and ended up creating an entire festival. “Let’s dive!” they said; “How far?” they asked. “With flags!” they answered—what an absolute winner.
As history unfolds, we continue to find innovative and sometimes downright bizarre ways to express what it means to be patriotic. So here’s to the aquatic patriots! Here’s to another dive into the history books—hopefully without any water-logged flags and embarrassing cannonballs!
Ultimately, diving or dancing, with food or flags, the essence of community and love for one’s country prevails. Let’s raise our cups—filled with hot tea or perhaps something a bit stronger—and toast to the creative spirits who bring us all a little closer to home, even when we’re submerged!
What role does community play in the success of underwater patriotic events, according to Leszek Skwara?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara of the Gwda Diving Association**
*Host:* Today, we’re diving into a unique way of celebrating Polish patriotism that took place on November 11th. Joining me is Leszek Skwara from the Gwda Diving Association. Leszek, thank you for being here!
*Leszek Skwara:* Thank you for having me! It’s great to share our underwater experience with everyone.
*Host:* So, tell us about the event. What inspired you and the Brda Association to carry Polish flags underwater?
*Leszek Skwara:* The idea came about spontaneously. I have been diving with a flag for about ten years, but it was around four years ago that Jacek Jackowiak and I decided to formally organize this event. We wanted a way to blend our love for diving with our national pride in a memorable way.
*Host:* It certainly sounds memorable! How did the actual event unfold?
*Leszek Skwara:* We started with the traditional singing of the national anthem, which set the tone for the day. Then, our group of divers, carrying Polish flags, plunged into the water for an underwater march. We swam about several hundred meters at a depth of up to 12 meters. It was exhilarating!
*Host:* That sounds amazing! What was it like experiencing that underwater? Were there any special challenges?
*Leszek Skwara:* Diving with flags presents its challenges, especially in terms of handling the gear and maintaining coordination. But the camaraderie and the spirit of patriotism kept us motivated. Plus, seeing the flags wave underwater was a beautiful sight!
*Host:* I can only imagine that sight! After your dive, I hear there were Polish delicacies waiting for you on shore.
*Leszek Skwara:* Absolutely! After surfacing, we had delicious traditional Polish food like žurek and St. Martin’s croissants, along with hot tea. It was a perfect way to warm up and celebrate together while listening to patriotic songs.
*Host:* It sounds like a lovely community event! What message do you hope this initiative conveys about patriotism?
*Leszek Skwara:* We want to show that patriotism can be expressed in many ways—even underwater. It’s about combining our passions and traditions to create something unique and memorable. This event is a reflection of our love for Poland and the environment we dive in.
*Host:* Thank you so much, Leszek, for sharing this inspiring story. It really shows how diverse expressions of patriotism can be!
*Leszek Skwara:* Thank you! It was a pleasure to discuss it. We hope to keep this tradition going and inspire others to find their own ways to express their love for their countries.
