Texas Governor Greg Abbot has approved Feb. 2 as “Chris Kyle Day.” Flags will be flown at half mast in honor of the decorated Navy SEAL sniper. Texas was Kyle’s home state. He was raised there and lived there after his retirement from the military. Kyle was tragically killed two years ago while trying to help former marine, Eddie Ray Routh. Routh, who is accused of killing Kyle and another man, Chad Littlefield, will face a jury later this month as the case goes to trial.

Gov. Abbot’s declaration was the scene of great cooperation between Texas Democrats and Republicans. He was surrounded by almost a dozen bipartisan lawmakers as he signed the proclamation last Friday. Abbot says he approved “Chris Kyle Day” not only to honor Kyle, but to honor every man and woman who has ever served in the United States military. A spokeswoman for Gov. Abbot says the declaration of “Chris Kyle Day” was not based on the recent release and success of American Sniper, the Clint Eastwood directed film, which tells the story of Kyle’s military career.

Chris Kyle is regarded as the deadliest sniper in U.S. history and is viewed by many to be an American hero. Fans of the movie say Kyle’s military service and exploits are a remarkable example of patriotism and heroism, while others criticize the movie for not mentioning any of the reasons America invaded Iraq. The film’s star, Bradley Cooper, acknowledges the critics but wants them to understand that the film has no political agenda, but is more about the plight of returning veterans and the difficulty they have transitioning back to the civilian life.

In 2013, Kyle was allegedly shot by Eddie Ray Routh, who was described as “troubled” by his family members and who had been hospitalized for signs of mental illness and post traumatic stress disorder in his past. Chris Kyle found great satisfaction in helping veterans like Routh readjust to life back home.