Pyongyang, December 21 (KCNA) -- At 1:00 a.m. on Dec. 21 snow fell on the plaza of Pyongyang Indoor Stadium where the portrait of smiling leader Kim Jong Il is displayed.

One could see citizens standing vigil, wiping away tears in their eyes with bare hands, girl students sobbing mournfully, saying "General, you can't go. We miss you very much" with snow in their hands, youth and students and servicepersons lamenting before the portrait…

They were in great sorrow as Kim Jong Il passed away so suddenly and so early to their great sorrow. He used to weather the first snow on this land, going in a jumper. He could not have good rest even in a single day, suffering all sorts of hardship for the people's happiness and the prosperity of the country.

Beating the ground, unable to recognize the reality, they wept bitterly.

Kim Ji Won, 17, girl student of Pyongyang Jonsung Secondary School, said, looking up to the portrait of smiling leader in tears:

"This can't happen. It is unbelievable."

Ri Yun Hui, 22, girl student of Kim Chaek University of Technology, said in a choking voice:

"Everyday we looked forward to the day we will meet the tender-hearted father, singing the song 'He will certainly come.' He didn't pass away. He will always be with us in our hearts and our songs."

Jo Kwang Nam, 48, officer of the Korean People's Army, made the following pledge before the portrait:

"General, We will thoroughly defend your ideas and cause in whatever storm and stress and build a thriving socialist nation to be proud of by single-mindedly rallying around Kim Jong Un, outstanding leader of our party, army and people".

Kim Jong Il will always be alive in the hearts of the people and with the country that will prosper under the leadership of Vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea Kim Jong Un.