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 participating in underwater events like the one organized by the Gwda Diving Association foster a sense of community among divers?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara of the Gwda Diving Association on Underwater Patriotism**
**Host:** Welcome, Leszek Skwara from the Gwda Diving Association! Your recent event on November 11 where divers took to the water to celebrate Polish patriotism is fascinating. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired this unique way of honoring your country?
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! The idea of diving with the Polish flag was spontaneous. I had been diving with friends for about ten years, but we started doing this annual event about four years ago. It’s a way to combine our passion for diving with our love for Poland. The motivation comes from wanting to find creative and memorable ways to express our patriotism.
**Host:** That’s wonderful! How does the event unfold? What can participants expect when they dive?
**Leszek Skwara:** After the traditional singing of the national anthem, we plunge into the water, carrying Polish flags. We swim several hundred meters underwater, reaching depths of up to 12 meters. It’s an exciting experience that feels like an underwater march. Once we surface, we join the other participants on shore for festivities.
**Host:** Speaking of which, what kind of celebrations take place after the dive?
**Leszek Skwara:** Once we’re back on land, we’re greeted with traditional Polish delicacies like sour rye soup and St. Martin’s croissants, along with cake and hot tea with lemon to warm everyone up. The atmosphere is filled with patriotic songs, creating a really festive community spirit.
**Host:** It sounds like a truly memorable celebration! How do you think events like this impact people’s understanding of patriotism?
**Leszek Skwara:** I believe it shows that patriotism can be expressed in many unique ways. It’s not just about flags on land, but also about how we can embody our national spirit even underwater. It creates lasting memories for participants and encourages a sense of community among us as we celebrate our homeland innovatively.
**Host:** Absolutely! Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights, Leszek. It’s inspiring to see how you’ve blended your love for diving with your national pride.
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! I hope more people can find their own exciting ways to express their patriotism.
