One February day in Juche 98 (2009), officials told Chairman Kim Jong Il they would remain loyal to him who was always on the road of guidance trips for the wellbeing of the people, comparing them to the green leaves of a giant tree.
The Chairman said as follows:
The meaning of the roots is weightier than that of the leaves. If a tree is to grow healthy, it should have robust roots. Only then can it grow into a giant tree.
We can see a giant tree but not its roots. The roots work ceaselessly under the ground for the tree, whether recognized or not. The relationship between the revolution and the revolutionaries is likened to that between the tree and its roots.
From the viewpoint of our revolution which puts the main emphasis on the single-hearted unity of the leader, the Party and the masses of the people, you and I should become roots. Let all of us become strong roots for the country.
