The statement said:

August 25 is the 57th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il's start of the Songun revolutionary leadership.

The world people have heard Songun but do not sufficiently understand why the DPRK is giving priority to the military affairs.

The Korean people were compelled to suffer a war by the U.S. in less than five years after the country's liberation from the Japanese imperialist colonial rule.

However, they won victory in the war by coming out as one under the leadership of President Kim Il Sung, the brilliant strategist.

Through the three-year-long war, the Korean people cherished in mind the value of arms.

HE Kim Jong Il grew up while learning the outstanding commanding art of Kim Il Sung near the table for operational plans at the Supreme Command. He started his Songun revolutionary leadership at the Seoul Ryu Kyong Su Guards 105th Tank Division of the Korean People's Army on Aug. 25, 1960.

The DPRK has worked miracles under the banner of Songun, stunning the world, and has been firmly consolidated as the invincible socialist fortress.

In those days the Korean people invariably advanced along the road of Songun with the strong courage that if they believe in and follow the Party and the leader, they have nothing to fear.

Today the DPRK is winning victories only despite the hostile forces' sanctions and pressure.

The Songun revolutionary exploits of HE Kim Jong Il will shine long with the century.