North Korea holds a memorial ceremony for Kim Jong-il.
This square in central Pyongyang was packed with military troops and about 100,000 civilians -- who braved the chilly weather to mourn the Dear Leader.
Kim Jong-un, who takes over the reins in North Korea, stood silently on a platform, flanked by senior leaders.
High-ranking officials praised Kim Jong-il's achievements.
As head of the Supreme People's assembly, Kim Yong-Nam is the government's nominal deputy .
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) PRESIDENT OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE DPRK SUPREME PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY, KIM YONG-NAM, SAYING:
"Our great comrade Kim Jong-il has solved the leadership succession matter perfectly, which is the most precious accomplishment for our country's destiny and it assures endless prosperity for our descendants."
The gun salute fired for Kim Jong-il is a reminder of his legacy -- a military-first policy, in a country that many fear is capable of producing nuclear weapons.
As the clock struck twelve - mourners bowed their head in prayer.
A three-minute silence was observed across the nation of 25 million.
While people gathered in Pyongyang's main square, trains blew their whistles for three minutes to mourn Kim's passing.
Lined up neatly on the streets, civilians stood perfectly still as they paid their respects.
Observers believe that not much will change under North Korea's new leadership.
The main challenge will be to alleviate food shortages for a third of the population.
But as Kim Jong-un assumes power-- the military is still likely to get the lion's share of limited resources, and the majority of North Koreans are set to endure more hardship.
Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.
