Pyongyang, December 25 (KCNA) -- All the Korean servicepersons and people, seized with grief at the sudden demise of leader Kim Jong Il, vow to closely rally around Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, and remain faithful to his Songun (military-first) revolutionary leadership.

Han Son Dok, an officer of the Korean People's Army, told KCNA:

"We servicepersons will demonstrate the stamina of Songun Korea united in one mind around respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, supreme leader of the revolutionary armed forces, changing our bitterest sorrow into strength and courage."

He said this year would be recorded in history as not only a year of national mourning but also a year of great unity when the Korean party, army and people started to advance resolutely towards a new victory under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, the great successor to the revolutionary cause of Juche.

Kim Sa Myong, director of the Control Machine Institute under the State Academy of Sciences, said:

"Though the Korean people are suffering the bitterest grief, they never yield to difficulties in despair. We feel confident as we are led by respected Comrade Kim Jong Un. Experiencing the sorrow for the loss of our leader, we are convinced Comrade Kim Jong Un, identical to leader Kim Jong Il, is our destiny.

Through his seasoned politics and noble traits of leadership we also keenly feel that he is another great sun. General Kim Jong Un, the outstanding leader of our party, army and people, is the eternal banner of our victory."