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!
What inspired Leszek Skwara to merge diving with Polish patriotism in the annual underwater march?
**Short Interview with Leszek Skwara of the Gwda Diving Association**
*Interviewer:* Welcome, Leszek! It’s great to have you here. Your recent underwater march on November 11 was quite an extraordinary way to celebrate Polish patriotism. Can you tell us about how this event came to be?
*Leszek Skwara:* Thank you for having me! The idea was born quite spontaneously. I’ve been diving with that flag for around ten years, but it was Jacek Jackowiak and I who decided to formalize it into an annual event about four years ago. We wanted to find a way to blend our passion for diving with a tribute to our homeland.
*Interviewer:* It sounds like a fantastic concept! How did this year’s event unfold?
*Leszek Skwara:* After a traditional singing of the national anthem, we took the plunge into the water, proudly carrying Polish flags. We swam at a depth of up to 12 meters and covered several hundred meters underwater. It felt incredibly patriotic to express our love for Poland in such a unique way.
*Interviewer:* That’s amazing! How did participants feel during the dive?
*Leszek Skwara:* I think it was a deeply emotional experience for many of us. Being underwater, waving our flags while enjoying the serene surroundings really highlighted the significance of the day. When we surfaced, it felt like we were not only celebrating November 11 but also honoring our history and values.
*Interviewer:* And what happened once you all returned to the surface?
*Leszek Skwara:* We joined everyone onshore where traditional Polish delicacies awaited us—like sour rye soup, St. Martin’s croissants, and cake. It was a wonderful gathering filled with hot tea and patriotic songs, really bringing the community together.
*Interviewer:* It seems like a perfect blend of culture and celebration! In your opinion, what message does this event convey about patriotism?
*Leszek Skwara:* This initiative shows that patriotism can take many forms, even underwater! It’s about being proud of our heritage and finding creative ways to express that pride. Whether on land or in the water, the spirit of our nation remains strong.
*Interviewer:* Thank you for sharing your insights, Leszek! It’s evident that this event will leave a lasting impression on all who participated.
*Leszek Skwara:* Thank you! We’re looking forward to making it an even bigger tradition in the future.
