DPRK holds variety of events to honor late leader -- china.org.cn

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has been holding a variety of events to mark the 15th anniversary of the death of former President Kim Il Sung.

People present flowers to the statue of Kim Il Sung, late president of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Pyongyang on July 8, 2009. DPRK held a national memorial service on Wednesday to mark the 15th anniversary of the death of Kim Il Sung. [Xinhuanet.com]

The DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Il, Kim Il Sung's son, attended a national memorial service in Pyongyang, the official KCNA News Agency said on Wednesday.

Kim Yong Nam, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, gave a memorial address at the service.

The WPK, the army and people of the DPRK would carry on and develop the revolutionary heritage and achievements bequeathed by Kim Il Sung, Kim Yong Nam said, adding that they would also launch a new upsurge in all fields of construction in a bid to "open the gate to a great, powerful and prosperous country" in 2012.

As the founding father of the DPRK, Kim Il Sung has been loved and cherished in memory by the DPRK people after he died on July 8, 1994, at the age of 82. His statue located in downtown Pyongyang has been visited by many people who presented flowers to pay their respects.

Thousands of people went to the Kumsusan Memorial Palace on Wednesday morning, where the late leader's embalmed body lies, to pay their tribute.

Workers, farmers, women and students have been holding "oath-taking rallies" and "memorial meetings," to recall Kim Il Sung's achievements on revolution and economic construction.

At those rallies, titled "The leader is still living with us," people performed songs and dances and gave sentimental speeches. A memorial concert was also held at the East Pyongyang Grand Theater on Wednesday to remember the late president.

Paintings and photos commemorating Kim Il Sung have been on display throughout the country. Documentaries about the late leader have been screened and stamps marking the 15th anniversary of his death were issued.

Newspapers and magazines carried many articles hailing Kim Il Sung's feats in politics, economy, military, foreign affairs and culture.

An editorial carried by the official Rodong Sinmun on Wednesday called on the DPRK people and army to build a powerful and prosperous country by "depending on themselves in their own way."

The article also vowed to defend the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula, and realize the reunification of the nation at an earlier date.

(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2009)