Chris Kyle was a husband, father, son, Texan, American and a US Sniper who was murdered on February 2nd while he and a friend were trying to help a fellow soldier with PTSD. Many people know him from his book, some from reality TV or the fact that he holds the record for most confirmed kills in US history. Yesterday, a memorial service was held at Cowboy Stadium with 7,000 people in attendance. Today, a funeral procession was held from his home in Midlothian to Austin, some 200 miles. Along the way, countless people lined the highway to pay respects to a man who never stopped fighting for his country, family and friends and who is a true American Hero.

The funeral procession ran from the football stadium in Midlothian, down highway 287 to 35E to Kyle’s final resting place in Austin. Along the way, thousands waved flags and came to pay their respects. We arrived around 7:45am and soon we were joined by many others who came to do the same. Some by themselves, others with friends, some even had their small children but we were all there for the same reason, to say thank you and pay our respects to a man who showed what a man should be and continued to provide for his country even after he was out of the military.

When the procession finally reached us, the rain came to a drizzle and the atmosphere was silent except for the sound of the vehicles and the helicopter overhead. First, came the motorcyclists, then the hearse carrying Chris Kyle in an American flag covered coffin accompanied by his wife in the front seat. A helicopter flew overhead with a sniper hanging out the side, vigilantly watching over our fallen soldier. He was followed by a couple tour buses filled with family members. Thereafter, it was vehicle after vehicle filled with military members from all branches. Passengers were recording us, along the side of the highway. Some had video camera’s set up on their dash. You could see some of the passengers holding back tears completely amazed at the outreach the community was providing. Some waved, others provided a thumbs up, a couple even had their windows rolled down telling us thank you. There was no need to tell us thank you, we were there to tell Chris Kyle and all other service members thank you. Thank you for your support, dedication and loyalty to this country and providing an example for all.

The actions shown today make me proud to be an American and to live in Texas.