On April 25, North Korea marked the 85th anniversary of the founding of its armed forces.

Personnel from the Korean People's Army gathered in the capital, Pyongyang.

The anniversary marks the date state founder Kim Il Sung begin organizing an anti-Japanese guerilla force on April 25, 1932.

Giant bronze statues of former leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il - the grandfather and father of current leader Kim Jong Un - were at the center of the commemorations.

North Koreans, dressed in formal attire, headed to the statues on Munsu Hill in Pyongyang to pay their respects.

People laid flowers and floral baskets before the statues of the country's founder and his son.

An outdoor party was held in Pyongyang on the same day.

Many North Koreans gathered in formal suits and traditional dresses, and danced in public in the city center. 

Despite the nature of the events, the international community remained concerned that the day would be used to conduct a nuclear test or a major missile launch, neither of which occured.

Soldiers and members of the public gathered in the streets to watch the dance performance.

An outdoor music concert was also held in the capital.


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