Texas Governor Declares ‘Chris Kyle Day’ To Honor Fallen American Sniper

After voluntarily surrendering so much for his country, Chris Kyle’s unparalleled achievements and ultimate sacrifice will be recognized by his home state.

On Friday during a veterans event, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared that February 2nd is to be “Chris Kyle Day.” The day will recognize and honor the Texan who became the most lethal sniper in American history.

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Kyle became an American military legend thanks to his 160 confirmed kills he achieved during his four tours of duty in Iraq.

Aboott called the U.S. Navy SEAL marksman, “A man who defended his brothers and sisters in arms on and off the battlefield.”

Kyle, who’s hometown was the Fort Worth suburb of Midlothian, was immortalized in the blockbuster film “American Sniper.”

Sadly, Kyle was killed by a Marine veteran suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder at a Texas gun range on February 2, 2013 at the age of 37.

Following his death, Kyle was honored with a memorial service at the Cowboys’ Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Meanwhile American Sniper continues to crush at the box office. The military drama earned $10 million on its third Friday of wide release. That figure gives the film the second-biggest Friday ever for a Super Bowl weekend. The highly acclaimed war film has earned $227 million in domestic sales and should end the frame with around $249 million. If sales continue to flow in, American Sniper is set to become the third-biggest movie release in 2014 behind Guardians of the Galaxy ($332m) and Hunger Games: Mockingjay part I ($334m).

[CNN]