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’s underwater patriotic event contribute to reshaping the concept of national pride?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara of the Gwda Diving Association**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Leszek! It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss the recent underwater patriotic event on November 11. Can you tell us what inspired this unique celebration?
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration really came from a combination of our love for diving and our passion for expressing patriotism. I’ve been diving with friends for about ten years, but we’ve focused on this underwater flag diving concept for the last four years. The idea was quite spontaneous—I came up with it during a discussion with my colleague, Jacek Jackowiak.
**Interviewer:** That sounds fantastic! What does it feel like to dive while carrying the Polish flag?
**Leszek Skwara:** It’s a very emotional experience. When we dive down to about 12 meters, carrying the flag, it feels like we are embracing our country in a way that’s both personal and communal. We swim several hundred meters underwater, and that sense of connection to our heritage while being submerged is truly profound.
**Interviewer:** That’s a beautiful sentiment. After you surfaced, the celebrations continued on land with traditional Polish foods and patriotic songs. How important are these elements in enhancing the overall experience?
**Leszek Skwara:** They are essential! Once we surface, the warmth of shared food and music really brings everyone together. Traditional Polish dishes—like sour rye soup and St. Martin’s croissants—add a comforting touch after the chilly dive. Singing patriotic songs while enjoying these delicacies makes the celebration even more meaningful. It’s a great way to blend our underwater adventure with cultural traditions.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a wonderful way to express patriotism! Do you think this initiative has changed perceptions about how people can celebrate national pride?
**Leszek Skwara:** Absolutely! This event shows that patriotism comes in many forms. It’s not just about loud celebrations on the surface; it’s about personal connections to our country, even at the bottom of a lake. We hope our undersea march encourages others to think creatively about how they express their love for their homeland.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Leszek. It’s inspiring to see such passion for both diving and national pride combined in such a unique way. We look forward to hearing more about your future events!
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you! We’re excited about what’s next and hope to keep this tradition alive for many years to come.
