The current generation of North Koreans must build a "paradise for the people" based on the ideology defended by a previous generation of victors with their blood, leader Kim Jong-un says as the country marks the Korean War anniversary.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Kim visited memorials honouring the veterans of the 1950-53 war on Friday including the Tower of Friendship remembering the Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers who fought with the North Koreans, KCNA state news agency reported.
North Korea signed an armistice agreement with the United States and China on July 27, 1953, ending the battle in the three-year war.
US generals signed the agreement representing the United Nations forces that backed South Korea.
"Comrade Kim Jong-un said it is the sacred mission and duty of our generation to protect the ideology and system defended by the previous generation of war victors with blood ... and to build a paradise for the people," KCNA said on Saturday.
North Korea calls July 27 "Victory Day" even though the armistice drew a border dividing the Korean peninsula roughly equally in area and restoring balance after the two sides had made major advances back and forth during the war.
South Korea does not mark the day with any major events.
Festivities were held throughout North Korea to celebrate the day including banquets, a parade by the revolutionary youth vanguard and a mass dance in Pyongyang's main square attended by patriots under celebratory fireworks, KCNA said.
Australian Associated Press