Texas Declares “Chris Kyle Day” While Medal of Honor Petition for Kyle Gains Steam (+video)

By Fox News. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared Feb. 2 as “Chris Kyle Day” in his state, honoring the late sniper as a petition drive also gets underway to consider him for the Medal of Honor.

Kyle, considered to be the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history, is the subject of the blockbuster film “American Sniper.”

Though the movie has been controversial, Abbott told Fox News he decided to honor Kyle because “he’s an American hero” . . .

Meanwhile, White House petitions have been launched calling for Kyle to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

One of them states he should be awarded, posthumously, “For his four tours to Iraq which saved hundreds and possibly thousands of US soldiers lives.” (Read more about Chris Kyle Day and the petition HERE)

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‘American Sniper’ Breaks More Records on Anniversary of Chris Kyle’s Death

By Maria Mercedes Lara. American Sniper has once again come out on top at the box office, bringing in a record-breaking $31.9 million over Super Bowl weekend. But the film’s latest success comes at a bittersweet time as Monday marks the two-year anniversary of Chris Kyle’s death.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared Feb. 2 as “Chris Kyle Day,” honoring the Navy SEAL whose story inspired the film that has become the highest-grossing war-themed movie ever. (American Sniper has already brought in $248.9 million in six weeks, beating out previous record-holder Saving Private Ryan.)

Kyle was famously killed in 2013 while he was mentoring Eddie Ray Routh, a troubled vet, at a gun range. Routh was charged with Kyle’s murder and will stand trial on Feb. 11. His attorney told PEOPLE in January that Routh will plead not guilty by reason of insanity.

Meanwhile, the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation has set aside Feb. 2 to remember Kyle, writing that he was “an inspiration to many as he lived his values by God, Country and Family.” (Read more from this story HERE)

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