Nine couples wed at defense education base in Tianjin

Nine couples participated in a wedding ceremony in the presence of relatives and friends at the first group wedding for young veterans at the Ninghe District Shuangjian National Defense Education Base in Tianjin on Thursday.

Different from traditional weddings, this group wedding was simple and solemn with "military characteristics". The background music was passionate military songs, and the wine glasses used were military water cups.

"The group wedding advocates simple wedding practices," said Man Jirong, deputy secretary of the Communist Youth League Ninghe District Committee, Tianjin. "This simple and solemn group wedding helps spread a new trend of civilized marriage."

Wang Yong, once a member of the Armed Police Force and now a firefighter in Ninghe district, said: "Experiencing this important moment in life with other comrades-in-arms at the group wedding makes me feel surrounded by the same kind of happiness. From defending the country to safeguarding the family, the battlefield has changed, but the sense of responsibility remains. I hope we can live a life as neat and stable as a formation."

Bai Fengxiang, secretary of the Ninghe District Committee of the Communist Party of China, gave his blessing to the newlyweds. "Holding your wedding in Ninghe is to remind you that the happiness of a small family is connected with the peace of the country," he said.

The event doubled as a wedding venue and a national defense education classroom. The newlyweds visited the national defense education exhibit to learn about national defense.

"Hosting the first group wedding for veterans today is also a specific measure to strengthen national defense education publicity. We hope this form can encourage veterans never to forget their original aspiration and always keep the military spirit," said Tian Yuchen, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Ninghe District Committee of the CPC.

"Ninghe district will continue to focus on the growth characteristics of young people, innovate activity forms, and build diverse growth platforms for young groups such as veterans to help them get better employment and repay society," said Man.

Lu Ruotong contributed to this story.