Every December the Korean people are filled with yearning for Chairman Kim Jong Il (February 16, 1942-December 17, 2011).

Over 669 844 kilometres! This figure evokes precious memories in their minds, for it reminds them of the lifetime exploits of Kim Jong Il who devoted his all to the prosperity and happiness of the country and people.

It was one February day in 2009.

As he was about to set out on another inspection tour, officials requested him to take care of his health. Looking round them, he said in a low voice that they should support the country and the revolution like the tree roots, adding that the roots should be strong if trees are to grow healthy.

He continued: A tall tree is noticeable, but its roots are invisible. People probably admire a giant tree but they seldom think of the roots that support it. The roots work for the tree under the ground tirelessly and unassumingly. The relationship between the revolution and the revolutionaries can be likened to that between a giant tree and its roots. The revolutionaries should think of becoming the roots.

He lived all his life for the country and revolution as the roots do for a giant tree.

In the mid-1990s the Korean people found themselves at a crossroads of whether to become independent people, guards of independence, or to be subjected back to colonial slavery owing to the imperialists’ moves to isolate and stifle the DPRK. At this juncture, he upheld the banner of Songun with a firm conviction that peace on this land and the victory of socialism rest on the arms of the People’s Army.

The Korean people still remember Kim Jong Il who devoted his heart and soul to the road of Songun, an endless journey during which he had to go through trying ordeals shouldering the destiny of the country and people.

He told the officials concerned about his forced march that he was going on a field guidance tour next day, too, to bring earlier a paradise where laughter would be heard from brightly-lit windows across the country and all people would wear hearty smiles on their faces. He added that it was a pleasure for him to walk a thorny path for the good of the country and the people and he would advance forward, holding up the banner, towards the future when people would be well-off with nothing to envy in the world.

Throughout his revolutionary career, he visited as many as 14 290 units across the country, travelling more than 669 844 kilometres, nearly 17 times the length of the equator, for the prosperity of the country and the wellbeing of the people.

Indeed, all the miracles and victories of the country could be achieved at the cost of his painstaking efforts and patriotic devotion.

That is why the people recollect his life with deep emotion whenever they greet an event of great significance on this land.

Yang Ryon Hui