The awards were described as prizes
that could give the "greatest glory" to recipients for the rest of
their lives.
North Korea’s annual
commendation ceremony was held Monday to recognize loyalty among citizens who
"contributed to the spread of socialist Korea’s sanctity and
dignity." File Photo
On Dec. 20 -- North Korea held a national commendation
ceremony to recognize citizens who played a part in supporting the regime,
according to state media.
Pyongyang's Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported
Tuesday a ceremony that honored "the workers and soldiers who contributed
to the spread of socialist Korea's sanctity and dignity under the whole
sky" was held Monday in Mansudae Assembly Hall.
The newspaper did not mention whether Kim Jong Un was in attendance.
A medal named after North Korea founder Kim Il Sung went to Cho Byung Sik, and
the Kim Jong Il medal was awarded
to Ri Taek Ho, according to the report.
Merits for "effort" went to eight people including
Kang Yong Sok. Others were recognized with the Kim Il Sung-Kim Jong Il
commendation watch or the Kim Il Sung-Kim Jong Il youth spirit award.
A citation named after current leader Kim Jong Un was also included
in the ceremony.
"Award panelists commented even the tiniest result was
given the highest honor, and [awardees] were given the greatest glory to
cherish for the rest of their lives."
State media also noted 2017 is the year marking the 105th
birthday of "Comrade Kim Il Sung" and the 75th birthday of
"Comrade Kim Jong Il."
"A resolution was adopted to mark the [upcoming] year of
proud victory," the newspaper stated.
North Korea recently observed the fifth anniversary of Kim Jong
Il's death.
According to South Korean newspaper
Hankyoreh, residents of Pyongyang observed a three-minute silence and traffic
was stopped near Kim Il Sung Square on Saturday.
Kim Jong Un attended a ceremony at the Kumsusan Palace of the
Sun as top official Choe Ryong Hae called on North Koreans to "defend
Comrade [Kim] to the death."
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