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 Gwda Diving Association involve the community in the underwater patriotism event beyond the diving experience?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara of the Gwda Diving Association on Underwater Patriotism**
**Host:** Welcome, Leszek! Thanks for joining us today to share about this unique event where divers celebrated patriotism underwater. What inspired you and the Gwda Diving Association to start this initiative?
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! The idea really came about spontaneously. I’ve been diving with flags for nearly a decade, but we formalized this event and made it an annual tradition four years ago. Collaborating with Jacek Jackowiak, we thought, why not express our love for Poland in a way that’s both fun and memorable? Thus, the underwater march was born!
**Host:** It’s certainly a captivating way to celebrate! Can you describe what the event looks like? How do you execute an underwater march?
**Leszek Skwara:** Absolutely! After we sing the national anthem, we take the plunge, carrying Polish flags and swimming about 300 meters at a depth of up to 12 meters. It feels like we’re part of a parade, but beneath the waves. It’s exhilarating to momentarily unite our passion for diving with our national pride.
**Host:** That sounds incredible! What can participants expect after they surface from the dive?
**Leszek Skwara:** Once we swim back to the surface, we join everyone onshore for some traditional Polish delicacies. We have sour rye soup, St. Martin’s croissants, and cake, along with hot tea to warm up. It’s a festive atmosphere with patriotic songs playing in the background, bringing the community together.
**Host:** Isn’t it interesting how patriotism can be expressed in such diverse ways?
**Leszek Skwara:** Absolutely! Our underwater march showcases that patriotism doesn’t always need to be loud or grand – it can also be intimate and personal. By combining our love for diving with love for our homeland, we create lasting memories for everyone involved.
**Host:** It sounds like a celebration that everyone can cherish, both in spirit and through shared experiences. Any final thoughts for those considering joining next year?
**Leszek Skwara:** I encourage anyone who loves diving or wants to experience something unique to join us! It’s a chance to connect with nature, honor our heritage, and make new friends. Plus, who wouldn’t want to dive with a flag? It’s definitely a memory you won’t forget!
**Host:** Thank you, Leszek, for sharing your insights and the passion behind this exceptional event. We look forward to seeing more underwater patriotism next year!
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to dive again!
