Pyongyang, December 19 (KCNA) -- The important notice that leader Kim Jong Il passed away to all people's sorrow struck the whole country with bitter grief over the great loss to the nation.

National flags were flying at half-mast at all units of the Korean People's Army, factories, enterprises, co-op farms and other institutions.

An endless stream of soldiers, working people and school youth and students visited the statues of President Kim Il Sung and mosaics depicting the peerlessly great persons to express their bitter grief though it was past 12 at night.

They are weeping bitterly out of self-reproach and regret that they failed to keep Kim Jong Il in good health despite the behests of the President.

Among them are young men and women who keep vigil, aged persons supported by family members and children going up stairs led by their teachers.

Choe Ho Jin, 58, department director of the Mansudae Art Studio, said the number of people who gather before a mosaic depicting Kim Jong Il standing in its compound is steadily increasing as time passes by.

Growing strong in the minds of all the servicepersons and people as the night advances is the faith that the idea and cause of Kim Jong Il are sure to triumph as long as they are led by respected Kim Jong Un.