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Texas Gov. Abbott declares Feb. 2 'Chris Kyle Day'

By Danielle Haynes
Chris Kyle (Facebook)
Chris Kyle (Facebook)

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday declared Feb. 2 "Chris Kyle Day" in honor of the slain Navy SEAL who is the subject of the film American Sniper.

Monday will be the second anniversary of Kyle's death. Kyle and friend Chad Littlefield were allegedly gunned down by Eddie Ray Routh, an ex-Marine the two had taken to a shooting range in an effort to help him with post-traumatic stress disorder.

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Kyle is credited with having the most confirmed kills of any SEAL sniper.

Speaking at a Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention in Austin, Abbott said the second anniversary of Kyle's death will be known as "Chris Kyle Day."

"In honor of a Texas son, a Navy SEAL and an American hero -- a man who defended his brothers and sisters in arms on and off the battlefield -- I am declaring February 2nd Chris Kyle Day in Texas," Abbott said. "We will commemorate his passing, but more importantly, remembering his answering of the call of duty."

He received a standing ovation for the announcement.

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"We thank Chris Kyle and all of you for your service and sacrifice," Abbott said. "And we rededicate ourselves to a cause greater than ourselves -- to freedom for our children, their children and for generations yet to be born. May God bless you and all who wear the uniform of the United States of America."

The movie about Kyle's life as a SEAL sniper, American Sniper, has been the No. 1 movie at the box office since it opened. The movie was nominated for six Academy Awards, including for Best Picture and Best Actor for Bradley Cooper's portrayal of Kyle.

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