Pyongyang, December 24 (KCNA) -- Today marks the 20th anniversary of Kim Jong Il's assumption of the supreme commandership of the Korean People's Army.

It is a pride of the Korean army and people to celebrate the day of great significance in the destiny of the nation and socialism.

The struggle for defending the country in the late 20th century was a showdown without gunfire sounded.

The U.S. imperialists were escalating moves against the DPRK and severe natural disasters hit the country, adding to the hardships of the Korean revolution.

In that rigorous period leader Kim Jong Il overcame the manifold hardships with the KPA as the mainstay of the revolution.

He inspected many army units in Panmunjom, Mt. Osong, Hill 351, Height 1 211 and other frontline areas.

He, gifted with matchless courage and pluck, always stood in the forefront of the Korean people's struggle for triumphantly defending the country and making tremendous achievements in socialist construction.

Though they are suffering bitter grief at the demise of Kim Jong Il, the Korean army and people are determined to build a thriving socialist nation under the leadership of respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, identical to Kim Jong Il.