DPRK leader Kim Jong-un (2nd L) gestures during a mass parade to celebrate founder Kim Il-sung's 100th birthday in Pyongyang in this still image taken from video April 15, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is carrying out a great military parade here on Sunday morning to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of founding leader Kim Il-sung.

In a speech delivered at the grand event, DPRK leader Kim Jong-un lauded the historic contributions to the DPRK's development by Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, and offered the highest respect and honor to the two late leaders.

Noting that the country is facing a momentous opportunity, Kim Jong-un called upon the whole nation to stick to the path blazed by his predecessors and strive for new victories.

Tens of thousands of people attended the ceremony at Kim Il-sung Square in central Pyongyang. A march-past of more than 30 phalanxes of military forces is under way amid thunderous cheers and clangorous music.

The ongoing military parade is one of the many activities planned to celebrate the centennial of the birth of Kim Il-sung, who passed away in 1994.

Days ago, Kim Jong-un became first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), chairman of the WPK Central Military Commission and first chairman of the National Defence Commission.