The Korean people have firmly preserved the revolutionary idea and immortal exploits of President Kim Il Sung and dynamically pushed ahead with the building of a thriving socialist nation under the leadership of Kim Jong Il, the statement said, and continued:

His outstanding Songun leadership is the source of the strength that enabled the army and people of the DPRK to protect the sovereignty of the country and dignity of the nation and consolidate Korean-style socialism despite the imperialists' moves to stifle it.

We extend warm congratulations and solidarity to the Workers' Party of Korea and the army and people of the DPRK on this significant auspicious day.

We are firmly convinced that the army and people of the DPRK will continue to advance along the road of Songun under the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il.