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 motivated Leszek Skwara to create the underwater event celebrating Polish patriotism?
### Interview with Leszek Skwara of the Gwda Diving Association
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Leszek! Your recent underwater event on November 11th sounded incredible. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired this unique way to celebrate Polish patriotism?
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! The idea for the underwater march came about spontaneously. I’ve been diving with the flag alongside my friends for about ten years, but we’ve formalized this event in the last four years. I pitched the idea to Jacek Jackowiak one day, and it just took off from there.
**Interviewer:** It’s impressive to see how you’ve melded your passion for diving with patriotic expression. How did the event itself unfold?
**Leszek Skwara:** After singing the national anthem on the shore, we took the plunge into the water, carrying Polish flags with us. We dove to about 12 meters and swam several hundred meters as part of this symbolic underwater march. It was exhilarating, and it felt like a profound way to express our love for Poland.
**Interviewer:** It’s not every day you see such a display! What was the atmosphere like for those watching onshore?
**Leszek Skwara:** The spectators were filled with excitement and pride. We also set up a lovely gathering on the shore with traditional Polish treats like żurek and St. Martin’s croissants, plus hot tea with lemon to keep everyone warm. The sounds of patriotic songs filled the air, adding to the celebratory mood.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a perfect blend of culture and creativity. Why do you think events like this are important for national pride?
**Leszek Skwara:** I believe patriotism can be expressed in many diverse ways, and our underwater event is just one example. It’s not just about the traditional parades; it’s about connecting with our roots and finding fun, engaging ways to celebrate our identity. Sharing these experiences helps keep our love for the nation alive, especially among younger generations.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely! Have you seen a growing interest in such events among the local community?
**Leszek Skwara:** Yes, definitely! Every year, more people are eager to join us, whether it’s as divers or spectators. It seems to resonate well with both seasoned divers and those new to water sports who want to be part of something special.
**Interviewer:** That’s fantastic to hear! Do you have any plans for future events like this?
**Leszek Skwara:** We certainly do! We hope to keep the tradition going and might even incorporate different elements next year, like educational workshops about diving and conservation, to further engage the community.
**Interviewer:** Sounds promising! Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Leszek. It was inspiring to hear about how you are creating memorable ways to express national pride.
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you! It was my pleasure. I hope more people will join our cause and celebrate in their own creative ways.
