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!
Can you describe the community atmosphere during the event and the significance of sharing traditional Polish food and songs with participants?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara of the Gwda Diving Association**
*Editor:* Leszek, thank you for joining us today! Your recent event, which you described beautifully as an “underwater march,” is quite unique. Can you tell us more about how this idea came about?
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! The idea for the underwater march was quite spontaneous. I’ve been diving with a flag for about ten years now, but it was only four years ago that my friend Jacek Jackowiak and I decided to organize this event in a more formal way. We wanted to find a creative way to celebrate Polish Heritage Day, November 11th, while harnessing our passion for diving.
*Editor:* It sounds like a wonderful blend of teamwork and patriotism. What does the experience feel like when you’re submerged and carrying the Polish flags?
**Leszek Skwara:** It’s exhilarating! There’s something incredibly special about swimming underwater, especially while holding the Polish flag. At depths of up to 12 meters, we get to feel this deep connection to our country, but also enjoy the serene beauty of the underwater world. It feels like a silent tribute that only we get to witness firsthand.
*Editor:* Speaking of the underwater environment, can you share more about the atmosphere above the water during the event as well?
**Leszek Skwara:** Absolutely! Once we resurface, there’s a great sense of community. We have traditional Polish delicacies prepared on the shore—like sour rye soup and St. Martin’s croissants. There’s hot tea to warm everyone up, and we gather together to sing patriotic songs. It’s all about celebrating together and sharing our love for Poland.
*Editor:* What do you hope participants take away from this event, both divers and spectators?
**Leszek Skwara:** I hope participants leave with a sense of pride and joy. This event shows that patriotism can be expressed in so many ways—even underwater! We blend our love for diving with our love for our homeland, creating memories that will last a lifetime. It’s a unique way to celebrate our heritage and involve more people in our diving community.
*Editor:* Thank you, Leszek, for sharing your insights into this fantastic event. It’s inspiring to see how you and your fellow divers are making waves—both literally and symbolically!
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you! We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our passion and celebrate together every year.