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 ⁤unique traditions⁤ are incorporated​ into the diving event to celebrate national pride?

**Swimming with Flags: ‌A Dive⁣ Into⁣ Patriotism**

**Interviewer**: Welcome,⁢ Leszek Skwara from the Gwda Diving Association! ⁤It’s a pleasure to have you here today to discuss your recent diving event that celebrated Polish patriotism. Can you ​start by⁤ telling us what⁢ this event was all about?

**Leszek Skwara**:⁢ Thank you! It’s‍ great to be here. This event⁤ was ⁤a special celebration on November 11, where members ​of the Gwda Diving Association and the Brda Association ⁣from Bydgoszcz took ‌an⁢ underwater plunge while carrying⁤ Polish flags. We sang the national⁣ anthem before diving and then swam underwater at depths of up to 12 meters. It was a symbolic underwater march, reflecting our love ⁤for our homeland.

**Interviewer**: That ⁣sounds incredible! How did​ this idea come ⁣about?

**Leszek Skwara**: The ⁤idea was quite spontaneous! I’ve been diving with friends and carrying the flag for about ⁢ten years now, but this specific event⁤ has been held cyclically for the past four years. I came up‍ with the⁢ idea together with my friend Jacek Jackowiak, and it has really caught on ‌since then.

**Interviewer**: What was the experience like for you and the ‍other divers submerged with the flags?

**Leszek Skwara**: It’s an unforgettable experience! Swimming underwater ⁣with the flag enhances the ​feeling of unity and patriotism. Despite being submerged, we felt connected to‌ our country and each other. We swam several hundred meters, which was both challenging and ⁢exhilarating.⁣ It’s not every day you get to express your patriotism in such a unique way!

**Interviewer**:⁤ Once you⁤ surfaced,⁢ what did the rest of the ​celebration look​ like?

**Leszek Skwara**: ⁢After the dive, we joined the other participants ‌on the shore to enjoy traditional Polish delicacies. There were treats like⁣ sour rye soup, St. Martin’s croissants, ​and warm cake, along with hot tea to keep everyone cozy. The atmosphere was‍ filled ⁢with patriotic songs, creating a wonderful sense of ⁤community as we all celebrated together.

**Interviewer**: It sounds like a beautiful way to combine passion for diving with patriotism. ‌What ‌message do you hope ‍to convey with such events?

**Leszek Skwara**: We aim to show that patriotism can⁢ take many forms, even underwater. It’s ​about being ⁤proud of where you come ⁣from and finding unique‌ ways to express that pride. These events⁢ not only strengthen ​our bonds as divers but also highlight the richness of our traditions and culture.

**Interviewer**: Thank‍ you for⁤ sharing your​ insights, ⁤Leszek.‍ It’s‌ inspiring to see such creativity in celebrating national pride!

**Leszek Skwara**: Thank ‌you for‌ having me! I hope more people will find ways to ⁣express their patriotism, whether on land or beneath the waves.