Keeping Veteran Fighter’s Birthday in Mind

In March １９８２, Rim Chun Chu, an anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter, was summoned back to the country while he was abroad on business.

Rim, without knowing why, returned to the country.

An official who greeted him at the airport informed him that Chairman Kim Jong Il told it was Rim’s ７０th birthday the next day and made sure that Rim spent his birthday at home.

That day, Rim was awarded the title of the Hero of the Republic and received the birthday spread sent by President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il.

Though he was a veteran revolutionary and a writer, Rim was too impressed to describe his feelings.

However, he didn’t realize a greater glory was waiting for him.

The Chairman invited him to a meal the day after his birthday, saying he was too busy to manage time the previous day.

The Chairman congratulated Rim on receiving the title of a hero and proposed a toast for him.

Rim burst into tears.

The Chairman sent a fine watch with an autograph on his birthday the next year.

Rim felt a lump in his throat, reading the autograph of the Chairman.

His autograph reflected his warm sincerity of wishing the anti-Japanese revolutionary fighters, who covered a long path of revolution upholding the President, would exalt the life of revolutionaries full of energy and in good health.

Rim hardened his will to realize the noble intention of the President and the Chairman by devoting all his wisdom and passion.

Like this, the great trust and love and utmost care of the peerlessly great persons were a fundamental source which enabled the revolutionary fighters in our country to remain faithful to the Party and the country till the last moments of their lives.

Rodong Sinmun