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!
### Interview: Celebrating Polish National Pride Underwater
### Interview: Celebrating Polish National Pride Underwater
**Interviewer: Thanks for joining us today, Leszek! Your recent event with the Gwda Diving Association and the Brda Association sounds absolutely unique. Can you tell us what inspired you to take the Polish flag underwater?**
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! The idea really came from a spontaneous conversation I had with Jacek Jackowiak. We both love diving and have been doing this annual dive with the flag for about four years now, but the concept of making it a symbolic underwater march was something new we wanted to try. It’s our way of expressing patriotism in a different and exciting manner!
**Interviewer: It certainly sounds like an adventurous way to celebrate! Could you elaborate on how the event unfolded, especially the underwater march?**
**Leszek Skwara:** Sure! After we gathered for the traditional singing of the national anthem, a group of us plunged into the water, carrying our Polish flags. We dove down to a depth of about 12 meters and swam several hundred meters in an underwater march. It was quite an impressive sight, and we all surfaced together to cheers from the audience on shore.
**Interviewer: That must have been a breathtaking moment for the participants and spectators alike. And I hear there were some delicious Polish treats waiting for everyone afterwards—what was on the menu?**
**Leszek Skwara:** Absolutely! After the dive, we had traditional Polish delicacies like żurek, St. Martin’s croissants, and some cake. We also served hot tea with lemon, which was perfect for warming everyone up after the chilly dive. It really added a cozy, festive atmosphere as we celebrated together, listening to patriotic songs.
**Interviewer: Perfect way to combine culture, food, and patriotism! This event is a fantastic example of how patriotism can be expressed in various ways. What message do you hope participants take away from this experience?**
**Leszek Skwara:** I hope participants leave with a deeper appreciation for our country and the unique ways we can celebrate our heritage. Whether through diving or enjoying traditional foods, it’s about coming together as a community. Our love for Poland can be expressed in numerous ways, even underwater!
**Interviewer: Thank you, Leszek! This event truly exemplifies creativity and patriotism. We look forward to seeing what you and the associations come up with next year!**
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you! We’re already brainstorming ideas for next year, so stay tuned!
