Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- A solemn ceremony of bidding last farewell to Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army, took place in Pyongyang on Wednesday.

The dear respected Kim Jong Un together with senior officials of the party, state and armed forces organs observed silence before the bier of Kim Jong Il, praying for his immortality, and went round the bier before the departure of a funeral procession.

Then a ceremony of paying last respects to Kim Jong Il was solemnly held in the plaza of the Kumsusan Memorial Palace.

Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK and supreme leader of the WPK, state and army, took part in the ceremony.

Among the participants were senior officials of the party, state and armed forces organs Kim Yong Nam, Choe Yong Rim, Ri Yong Ho, Kim Kyong Hui, Kim Yong Chun, Jon Pyong Ho, Kim Kuk Thae, Kim Ki Nam, Choe Thae Bok, Yang Hyong Sop, Ri Yong Mu, O Kuk Ryol, Kang Sok Ju, Pyon Yong Rip, Jang Song Thaek, Kim Jong Gak, Kim Yang Gon, Kim Yong Il, Pak To Chun, Choe Ryong Hae, Kim Rak Hui, Thae Jong Su, Kim Phyong Hae, Mun Kyong Dok, Ju Kyu Chang, U Tong Chuk, Kim Chang Sop and other members of the National Funeral Committee, staff members of the Supreme Command of the KPA, commanding officers of the large combined units of the KPA, officials of the party and power bodies, social organizations, ministries, national institutions and the fields of science, education, culture and arts, public health and media.

The plaza of the palace was packed with servicepersons of the KPA, representatives of every province, people from all walks of life, overseas compatriots and foreigners to bid last farewell to Kim Jong Il.

The guards of honor of the three services of the KPA and the Worker-Peasant Red Guards and a column of soldiers holding colors were seen solemnly standing there.

Kim Jong Un together with senior officials of the party and armed forces organs entered the plaza, walking by the side of the hearse, escorted by a column of soldiers holding colors of the KPA.

The head of the guards of honor of the three services of the KPA and the Worker-Peasant Red Guards made a farewell report to the bier of Kim Jong Il.

The hearse passed by the guards of honor and the column of soldiers holding colors saluting Kim Jong Il.

The hearse, followed by motorcade carrying the dear respected Kim Jong Un and the members of the National Funeral Committee, headed for the streets crowded with millions of people of different social standings, servicepersons of the KPA and foreigners staying in the DPRK to bid last farewell to Kim Jong Il.

The funeral procession threaded its way along the 40km-long route.

The hearse arrived at the place to be lain amid the last farewell bidden by millions of Pyongyangites and servicepersons of the KPA in tears.

The head of the guards of honor of the three services of the KPA and the Worker-Peasant Red Guards made a farewell report to the bier of Kim Jong Il.

The guards of honor and the column of soldiers holding colors made a solemn salute to the bier before paying last respects to the leader.

Kim Jong Un made a bow in deep reverence before the bier of Kim Jong Il, expressing deep condolences.

The moment of placing the bier soldiers of the KPA fired 21 volleys of rifles and guns to mourn his demise.

The guards of honor and the column of colors holders marched past, praying for the immortality of Kim Jong Il.

At the end of the ceremony Kim Jong Un gave the senior officials of the party, state and armed forces organs important instructions to thoroughly implement the behests of Kim Jong Il, holding him in high esteem forever.