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!
How does the Gwda Diving Association’s event aim to resonate with the local community and celebrate Polish heritage?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara of the Gwda Diving Association**
*Date: November 11, 2024*
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Leszek. Can you tell us about the recent underwater event organized by the Gwda Diving Association and the Brda Association in Bydgoszcz?
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! The event was a celebration of Polish Independence Day, held on November 11th. After singing our national anthem, a group of us dove into the water while carrying Polish flags. We performed what I like to call an underwater march, swimming several hundred meters at a depth of 12 meters. It was an emotional and patriotic experience for us all.
**Interviewer:** That’s truly unique! How did you come up with the idea for this underwater display of patriotism?
**Leszek Skwara:** The idea actually came to me spontaneously while I was diving with my friends about ten years ago. Since then, we’ve organized underwater dives for the last four years each November 11th. It’s a way to combine our passion for diving with our love for our country. My friend Jacek Jackowiak and I brainstormed the concept together, and it just grew from there.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a lot of fun! After your dive, what kind of activities were taking place on the shore?
**Leszek Skwara:** On the shore, we had traditional Polish delicacies waiting for us—like żurek, St. Martin’s croissants, and cake. We also served hot tea with lemon. The atmosphere was festive, filled with the sounds of patriotic songs as we celebrated our independence with fellow participants and the audience.
**Interviewer:** Besides the delicious food, how do you feel this event resonates with the community?
**Leszek Skwara:** I think it shows that patriotism can be expressed in many creative ways, even underwater! By merging our love for diving with national pride, we hope to inspire others to think outside the box when it comes to celebrating their heritage. The smiles on people’s faces as we surfaced with our flags were priceless, and I believe this event will linger in everyone’s memories for a long time.
**Interviewer:** It certainly sounds like a memorable occasion! Thank you, Leszek, for sharing your insights about this unique celebration of Polish pride.
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for covering our event! We look forward to diving again next year!
