Feb. 2 is Chris Kyle Day

Governor Greg Abbott declared Monday "Chris Kyle Day."

The governor signed a proclamation and order flags statewide to be flown half-staff to honor the late Navy SEAL from Midlothian.

Kyle is known for being the most lethal sniper in American history.

Abbott called him "the face of a legion of warriors who have led the mightiest military in the history of the world."

He was murdered on Feb. 2, 2013 at a gun range southwest of Fort Worth.

Kyle's story was told in his autobiography. Actor Bradley Cooper portrays him in the popular movie "American Sniper."

The people in Kyle's hometown say he is getting the recognition he deserves.

"I think it's important that we support them because there are some horrible things that happen to them over in those war situations," said Tristan Lee.

"Obviously he stood for a lot of great things and, you know, he supported veterans. And you know, we believe that he's an American hero," added Ron Castaneda.

Eddie Ray Routh, the man accused of killing Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield, will go on trial next week.

Defense attorneys think the massive success of the movie "American Sniper" may prevent Routh from getting a fair trial.

Routh's family says the Iraq war veteran was suffering from post-traumatic stress at the time of the shooting two years ago.

The Associate Press contributed to this report.