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 unique challenges did you face when organizing the underwater march for Polish National Independence Day, and how did you overcome them?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara from the Gwda Diving Association**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Leszek! It’s great to have you here. That underwater march you organized sounds like an incredible way to celebrate Polish National Independence Day. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired this unique event?
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! The idea came to me and my friend Jacek Jackowiak about four years ago. We wanted to find a fun and memorable way to express our patriotism, and we thought, why not combine our love for diving with our national pride? It started as a spontaneous idea, and it just kept growing!
**Interviewer:** I love that! What was the atmosphere like during the event? I imagine it must have been quite exhilarating to swim with the Polish flag at a depth of 12 meters.
**Leszek Skwara:** It was absolutely exhilarating! The participants were really excited. After singing the national anthem together, we all dove in with our flags, and I could feel the spirit of patriotism in every stroke. It’s not every day you get to celebrate your country in such a unique way! When we surfaced, everyone joined together on the shore to continue the festivities with songs, food, and warmth.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of food, I hear there were some traditional Polish dishes waiting for everyone afterward. How did that part of the celebration contribute to the event?
**Leszek Skwara:** Yes, we had a spread of traditional Polish delicacies like żurek and St. Martin’s croissants, along with hot tea with lemon. It was a wonderful way to connect the event to our culture and tradition. After the dive, we gathered around, shared food, and enjoyed each other’s company while listening to patriotic songs. It created a great sense of community.
**Interviewer:** That sounds delightful! How do you feel this event redefines the way people can express their patriotism?
**Leszek Skwara:** I think it shows that patriotism can be shown in many different forms, not just through parades or speeches. Our underwater march was a fun, adventurous, and inclusive way to celebrate our heritage. It encourages people to think outside the box when it comes to expressing their love for their country. Plus, it brings together people who share a passion for diving and nationalism—what could be better?
**Interviewer:** Absolutely! It’s inspiring to see such creativity. As someone who has been involved in this tradition for a decade, what do you hope for the future of the event?
**Leszek Skwara:** I hope it continues to grow and attract more people every year. It’d be wonderful to see even more participants join us, creating lasting memories together. Perhaps we can even collaborate with other diving clubs across Poland! The more diverse, the better—in the water and on land.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Leszek! Your passion for diving and your country is evident, and it’s been a pleasure to hear about such a unique form of celebration.
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! It’s been great sharing our story. I hope it inspires others to find their unique ways to celebrate their heritage too!
