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!
### Interview: Celebrating Patriotism Underwater
### Interview: Celebrating Patriotism Underwater
**Host:** Welcome to our special segment on unique expressions of patriotism! Today, we have Leszek Skwara from the Gwda Diving Association joining us. Leszek, thank you for being here!
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** So, Leszek, I understand that you just participated in an extraordinary event where divers carried Polish flags underwater. Can you tell us more about how this idea came about?
**Leszek Skwara:** Absolutely! I’ve been diving with a flag for about 10 years, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I turned this into a regular event. The idea for this specific underwater march came to me and my friend Jacek Jackowiak spontaneously. We thought, why not combine our love for diving with our patriotism?
**Host:** It sounds like a brilliant way to blend two passions! Can you describe what the experience was like for both the divers and the audience?
**Leszek Skwara:** Diving while carrying the Polish flags is quite symbolic for us. The event takes place about 12 meters below the surface, and we swim several hundred meters, creating an underwater march. It’s exhilarating! Once we resurface, we join the other participants who celebrate with traditional Polish food and enjoy patriotic songs. It’s a beautiful way to honour our country.
**Host:** I love that! After emerging from the water, what kind of atmosphere is there on the shore?
**Leszek Skwara:** It’s warm and welcoming! As soon as we come back to the surface, everyone celebrates together. There are delicious traditional delicacies like sour rye soup and St. Martin’s croissants waiting for us. We also have hot tea to keep everyone warm because it can get chilly after diving.
**Host:** This is indeed a unique way to express patriotism. Do you feel that such events help foster a sense of community and national pride?
**Leszek Skwara:** Definitely! Our event shows that patriotism can be expressed in many ways, even beneath the waves. We bring people together, not just divers but families and friends who come to support us. It’s a memory that stays with everyone who participates.
**Host:** Thank you, Leszek, for sharing insight into this wonderful initiative. It’s inspiring to see how creativity can enhance our expressions of love for our country!
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you! I hope more people will join us next year!
**Host:** That concludes our segment on this aquatic celebration of patriotism! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from around the globe.
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This interview emphasizes the unique way the Gwda Diving Association combines a love for diving with patriotism, celebrating national pride through community and creativity.
