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 has the tradition of diving with flags evolved since its inception, and what impact does it have on participants’ sense of patriotism?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara of the Gwda Diving Association**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Leszek! It’s wonderful to have you here today. Let’s dive right into it! Can you tell us about the recent underwater event held on November 11?
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! This year’s event was very special as it combined our love for diving with a profound sense of patriotism. After singing the national anthem, members from the Gwda Diving Association and the Brda Association from Bydgoszcz plunged into the water carrying Polish flags. We swam several hundred meters underwater, commemorating our nation’s spirit in a unique way.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredible! How deep did you go during the dive?
**Leszek Skwara:** We dove to about 12 meters. It’s quite a surreal experience to swim at that depth, especially while proudly holding your national flag.
**Interviewer:** What inspired you to create this underwater march?
**Leszek Skwara:** The idea came together spontaneously about four years ago with my friend Jacek Jackowiak. I’ve been diving with flags for over ten years, but this event has become an annual tradition for us. It’s a creative way to express our patriotism, and it really resonates with divers and non-divers alike.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of tradition, after your dive, what kind of festivities took place on the surface?
**Leszek Skwara:** Once we resurfaced, there were traditional Polish delicacies waiting for us! We had sour rye soup, St. Martin’s croissants, and cakes. Hot tea with lemon was served to warm us up. We celebrated together with patriotic songs that filled the air with an uplifting spirit.
**Interviewer:** It seems like this event goes beyond just diving. How do you think it impacts the participants and the community?
**Leszek Skwara:** Absolutely, it shows that patriotism can be expressed in many forms, even underwater! Everyone involved leaves with memorable experiences and a strengthened sense of community. It’s a beautiful blend of our passion for diving and our love for our country.
**Interviewer:** Leszek, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us today. It’s inspiring to see how you and your fellow divers commemorate such an important day in such a unique way!
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you! We’re proud to share our love for diving and patriotism, and I hope our event encourages others to find creative ways to celebrate their own heritage.
