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 the event you organized reflect the relationship between diving and expressions of patriotism?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara: Diving into Patriotism**
**Editor**: It’s wonderful to have you here, Leszek. Your recent event with the Gwda Diving Association and Brda Association was quite unique. Can you tell us more about how the idea came about?
**Leszek Skwara**: Thank you for having me! The idea for this underwater event actually started about a decade ago when I began diving with the flag, but it was on and off until we made it a more regular occurrence—about four years ago. I spontaneously came up with the concept alongside Jacek Jackowiak. We wanted to find a creative way to celebrate our heritage and bring together our love for diving and our patriotism.
**Editor**: It’s fascinating how you’ve combined those elements. What was the experience like, swimming at depths of up to 12 meters while carrying the Polish flag?
**Leszek Skwara**: It was incredible! Just picture it: after the traditional singing of the national anthem, we took the plunge with our flags, swimming several hundred meters underwater. It’s an exhilarating feeling—like a true underwater march, embodying pride for our country while embracing the marine environment. The water and the flags felt like a perfect blend of our identity—both Polish and divers.
**Editor**: Besides the diving, there was also a community celebration on the surface. How did that enhance the overall experience?
**Leszek Skwara**: Absolutely! Once we surfaced, we joined the others who were waiting on shore with traditional Polish delicacies like sour rye soup and St. Martin’s croissants. Not to mention the warm tea with lemon to help everyone warm up! The atmosphere was filled with patriotic songs, creating a bond between all participants. It highlighted that patriotism can be expressed in many forms—whether you’re underwater or on land.
**Editor**: It sounds like an event that participants will remember for a long time. What message do you hope this initiative sends about patriotism?
**Leszek Skwara**: I hope it shows that patriotism can be diverse and creative. By combining our passions—diving and honoring our country—we create something truly special. It’s not just about celebrating one day; it’s about fostering a lasting love for our homeland in a way that connects us all, regardless of the setting.
**Editor**: Thank you, Leszek, for sharing your insights and for the wonderful work you and your associations are doing to celebrate Polish heritage!
**Leszek Skwara**: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share our passion and hope to inspire others to express their patriotism in meaningful ways.
