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 are the key highlights⁢ that make the​ diving event on November 11⁤ special for participants of ​the Gwda⁣ Diving ​Association?

**Interview with Leszek Skwara,⁤ Member of ⁤the Gwda Diving Association**

**Interviewer:** Welcome,‍ Leszek! It’s great to have you here today ⁢to discuss ⁣this unique event that beautifully combines underwater exploration with patriotic expression. Can you start by telling us about the experience of diving on November 11?

**Leszek ⁣Skwara:** ⁢Thank you! It’s a ⁤pleasure ‌to be here. Diving on November 11 is‌ always a special occasion for us. After the traditional singing ‍of the⁢ national anthem, we plunge into the water carrying⁣ Polish ​flags. This ‌year, we swam several ‍hundred meters⁤ at a depth of up to 12 meters. It’s a moving way to connect with our national⁢ pride while doing something we ‌love—diving.

**Interviewer:** That sounds incredible! What inspired you to create this event?

**Leszek Skwara:**⁤ The idea‍ was actually quite spontaneous. I’ve⁢ been ​diving with my friends for about ⁤ten years now, and for the past four‌ years, we decided to make it an annual event. I came up with the concept together with my friend​ Jacek Jackowiak. ​We wanted to find a way to express our patriotism creatively, and what ⁢better ‍way ‍than​ under ‌the ⁢water, where we feel at home?

**Interviewer:**⁤ It’s fascinating to see how you combine your passion for diving with a patriotic display. Can you describe the atmosphere after you all surfaced? What‌ did ⁤the celebration look like?

**Leszek Skwara:** Absolutely! After​ we surface, we’re greeted by a warm community ‍atmosphere. Traditional Polish delicacies are waiting for us on the shore, ‌like sour rye soup and St. Martin’s croissants, ‌which really ⁣warms⁤ us up ⁤after the chilly dive. We enjoy ⁢hot tea ⁣with lemon while ​patriotic songs play in the background. It’s a​ beautiful way to⁤ come together as⁣ a community and celebrate our heritage.

**Interviewer:** What ‌feedback do you receive from participants and spectators about the event?

**Leszek Skwara:** The ​feedback ‍is overwhelmingly positive. People appreciate how this event showcases patriotism in an unexpected way. It’s memorable, and many ⁢tell us they look forward to it every year. It’s not just for divers; families‍ and ‌friends ⁣come to watch, and ⁣it creates a lovely sense of community. We’ve seen participants of all⁤ ages, and it’s heartening to witness such joy and pride.

**Interviewer:** It certainly sounds like⁢ a memorable event! Any plans for next year that you’re willing to share?

**Leszek⁤ Skwara:** Well, we’re definitely planning to continue this tradition!⁢ Each year, we hope to expand the​ event, perhaps include more activities​ on land⁢ or even reach out to more diving associations. The​ goal is to keep honoring our country while sharing the joy of diving with even more people.

**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Leszek. ‌It’s inspiring to see how you and your fellow divers celebrate your love for Poland through such a creative‍ event.

**Leszek Skwara:** ⁢Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to share our passion and hopefully inspire others to find their own unique⁢ ways to express patriotism.