North Korea mobilized the public for an array of events to mark the anniversary of the end of the Korean War this week, while claiming its “victory” over the U.S. averted another world war.

The state sought to instill nationalism and patriotism through celebrations for “Victory Day,” inviting veterans of the Korean War to Pyongyang in order to hold up their sacrifices as an example for citizens.

The party-run daily Rodong Sinmun carried a political essay that lauded founding leader Kim Il Sung for his “anti-communist crusade” and defended the country’s prioritization of