Military Parade Commemorative Medal.

[CtahhR]

The Military Parade Commemorative Medal (열병식기녕메달) is one of the more recent DPRK awards. A VERY common sight on the streets of Pyongyang but not yet so on the international market. This medal can be awarded repeatedly and I've seen many "Paraders" with up to 8 of these Commemorative Medals on their right chest. The medal features Kumsusan Memorial Palace and two semi-automatic rifles and is constructed from plated aluminium.

[CtahhR]

Here is a universal awarding of the Medal to a unit parading the party flag.

This Medal is probably now the most commonly awarded Commemorative Medal of all DPRK awards. Expect to see many more of them.

[Art]

Apologies for sounding sexist..but man there is something about a chick with a gun marching in a parade..I wonder what a psychotherapist would say about that?

[CtahhR]

I found the fact that the weapons are only issued to those "guarding" the flag maybe the most impressive part of this picture. Why not give everyone a gun?

A female soldier with a gun is o.k. but give her a sword and now you're talking. Horseback? That could do it. I couldn't see someone waving a sword in a charge whilst riding side-saddle though. I can speak from personal experience.

Now thinking on the DPRK a little more here, do they have mounted units? All of their Military Parades I have seen are on foot or mechanised.

[Art]

Hmmm, a sword..perhaps a little to "phallic"? :chuckle

[Esteban_cool]

Originally Posted by CtahhR

Now thinking on the DPRK a little more here, do they have mounted units? All of their Military Parades I have seen are on foot or mechanised.

Maybe Cavalry units were/are seen as an imperialist symbol reminiscent of the Japanese occupation; that may be the reason we´re unfamiliar with KPA units riding horses during parades.

[CtahhR]

There are at least 9 Orlovs in the Presidential Guard, no doubt they are primarily used for harness racing though.

Kim Jong-Un was recently pictured riding a horse so maybe they will be more images of horses in the DPRK soon.

This Medal was created on 27th April 1997 and is becoming a more and more frequent sight in newsreels.

Here is a rather strange positioning...

This Lieutenant-Colonel has 4 under his belt - and one above.