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Exclusive: First Pictures from Inside the Memorial Service for Slain Sniper Chris Kyle

Feb. 11, 2013 2:12pm Jonathon M. Seidl

UPDATE: Read TheBlaze’s Report from Inside the Chris Kyle Memorial Service

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Thousands of Americans on Monday gathered at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX to honor slain SEAL sniper Chris Kyle. TheBlaze’s Jason Howerton is there and sends some of the first pictures taking you inside the event:

(H/T @DavidSchechter and Twitchy on the program photo)

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Glenn Beck’s charitable organization, Mercury One, began taking donations for those wishing to honor Navy SEAL Chris Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield. You can give here.

To donate by mail, make checks payable to Mercury One but in the memo field please write “Chris Kyle Fund.”

Mercury One
PO Box 140489
Irving, TX 75014

As of Monday afternoon, Beck’s charity had raised nearly $545,000.

This story has been updated.

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In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (186)

Cameron
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:29pm
A giant among men. RIP Hero

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- skunkbear
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:52pm
  How exactly is a man who murdered 160 innocent people a hero?
  
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Lougjr1
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:25pm
I’m sorry, what did you mean by that remark ? I hope i didn’t misundertsand your comment ?

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bekhiet
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:23pm
For many years,
This sailor has stood the watch.
While some of us were in our bunks at night,
This sailor stood the watch.

While some of us were in school learning our trade,
This shipmate stood the watch

Yes.. even before some of us were born into this world,
This shipmate stood the watch.

In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history,
This shipmate stood the watch.

Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there,
Needing his guidance and help,
Needing that hand to hold during those hard times
But he still stood the watch.

He stood the watch for many years.
He stood the watch so that we, our families and,
Our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, Each and every night
Knowing that a sailor stood the watch.

Today we are here to say,
‘Shipmate… the watch stands relieved.
Relieved by those You have trained ,Guided, and Lead.
Shipmate you stand relieved.. we have the watch…”

“Boatswain..Standby to pipe the side…Shipmate’s going Ashore..”

CPO J.L. Streater

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IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:18pm
My condolence to the family and friends and my appreciation for his service. May God take special care for this his good soul as he awaits for his loved ones.

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Bamagal0007
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:15pm
May God Bless and keep his family safe within his arms. Chris, we miss you already. Rest in Peace.

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desktrucker
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:12pm
Fair winds and following seas Mr. Kyle. May you rest in the presence of the Lord.

Thank you.

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Iam4America
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:11pm
RIP Chris. May God give the family courage and strength

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Grimace
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:06pm
soybomb315_ii is a coward. More like a chihuahua. Yap yap yap but has no bite.

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CommieJuice
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:01pm
A real American hero, husband, father, son and patriot. God bless him for his service and love of country and fellow man. God bless his family for lending him to us.

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- skunkbear
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:57pm
  “God bless him for his service and love of country and fellow man.” Unless, of course, his “fellow man” is an Iraqi or Afghani patriot fighting off the invading amerikan forces.
  
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Michael
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:57pm
God Bless you my brother. May we all watch over your family and protect them in your absence.

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neverending
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:50pm
May God be with his family as they make this painful journey, We know he will keep them in his tender loving care. We never know why but we do know He is and will be there.

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AllAmericanGirl22
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:49pm
R.I.P. God Bless.

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tightline
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:48pm
Fair Winds and Following Seas my brother

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Saff SGT
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:48pm
Bye Chris, many more will follow you when the shooting starts here in the USA over 2nd amendment rights we all deserve and need. The only way this can be avoided if 60 million progressives all die before this ripens. Or they change their ideas of the Communism that has consumed them. rest in peace Chris

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Dismayed Veteran
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:34pm
If you didn’t earn it you can’t wear it. Fairly simple rule.

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- Saff SGT
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:53pm
  He was asked to wear that award as a trubute to Chris, lighten up
  
  Report this comment
- sharpeye
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:00pm
  hey saff sgt, those things MEAN something you lighten up! DON”T WEAR IT IF YOU DIDN”T EARN IT! That kind of half-@$$ attitude IS THE PROBLEM in this country!
  
  Report this comment
- MK75Gunner
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:36pm
  Actually the Supreme Court recently overturned the “Stolen Valor” act, something to do with freedom of speech or something. So….technically he can wear whatever he wants to and it doesn’t really matter what you or anyone else thinks.
  
  Report this comment
- sharpeye
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:13pm
  You are absolutely right, he can wear whatever he wants. So can anyone. So let’s get this straight. Tradition and respect for that tradition don’t matter because the Supreme Court says so. Why is that different from any Progressive who does not respect the American idea, the flag or life itself because the Supreme Courts says so. YOU are the SAME as they are, your just mad because they do things yu don’t like. Sounds like Tyrants are everywhere.
  
  Report this comment
41mag
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:32pm
Anchors away my FRIEND

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MK75Gunner
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:31pm
It was given to him by Marcus Luttrell and asked that he wear it this morning during the program…

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- sharpeye
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:57pm
  Then Marcus Luttrell was wrong and he needs to be counseled by older SEALs who know the unspoken rule, “Don’t wear the t-shirt if you haven’t been there”. The “New Breed” might have thrown away all respectful traditions, if that is the case what makes them any different from a progressives. Glenn Beck IS NOT A SEAL, no matter how many buddies he has that are.
  
  Report this comment
- MK75Gunner
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:23pm
  Well I encourage you to head on down to Texas then and tell Marcus yourself. Marcus, as a retired Navy SEAL who received the Navy Cross has earned the right to make that judgement with regard to the Trident that he earned. Now unless you’ve earned the Trident yourself I’d suggest you either put up or shut up….
  
  Report this comment
- sharpeye
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:14pm
  You are SOOOOO scary! Don’t care about how much of a bad@$$ you think you are so save it.
  
  Report this comment
- sharpeye
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:17pm
  In addition YOU don’t know WHAT I have earned and I don’t write books and make movies in an attempt to stroke my ego. So have another nice hot cup of your own bathwater.
  
  Report this comment
- sharpeye
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:32pm
  By the way, Marcus Luttrell is not the OWNER of the SEAL Trident. It is NOT his call as to who wears it. Navy Cross or not. Why doesn’t he give Beck his Navy Cross to wear? Or NO, That would be going too FAR! Many other people besides Luttrell, Kyle and Beck have been awarded the SEAL Trident. Maybe ALL should be respected and not just those who are chosen by Beck and his friends.
  
  Report this comment
- MK75Gunner
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:50pm
  Wow, awful lot of assumptions and personal attacks. Let’s address them
  
  I don’t believe I ever claimed to be a “badass”. I only pointed out that your anger and frustration should be addressed to the folks involved rather than lashing out at the internet. Sounds like you don’t really want to make the trip.
  
  Never asked nor really cared about any awards or medals that you claim to have received. Are you suffering from envy because Petty Officer Luttrell received the Navy Cross? Or is it because he wrote a book and is regarded as a hero? It sure sounds like some sort of weird passive/aggressive thing going on.
  
  Marcus Luttrell gave Glenn Beck the SEAL Trident that HE earned. It was his to do what he pleases with it. He sweat and bled to get it and regardless of what you or anyone else thinks he did what he did. Just because some guy on the internet that alludes to being some sort of decorated Veteran doesn’t like it won’t change a thing.
  
  Last, but not least; I don’t believe I ever expressed MY personal opinion regarding this incident and you never asked it. All I did was provide some background to the story to respond to some very heated emotional postings. Yet, you made it into a personal thing. You see, the reality is I was uncomfortable seeing that this morning and regardless of Marcus’s reasons or Glenn Beck’s reasons, I PERSONALLY felt he shouldn’t have done it. I’m just not so arrogant as to tell a man that gave so much for this country what he can
  
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- MK75Gunner
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:57pm
  One last thing for you Sharpeye, Glenn Beck raised over half a million dollars for Chief Kyle’s family this morning. What have you done, I mean outside attacking him over the Trident…
  
  Report this comment
- sharpeye
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 10:48am
  Psychobabble
  
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- MK75Gunner
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:01pm
  “Psychobabble” translation= I did nothing except complain and whine and can’t defend my positions.
  
  Report this comment
kalayaan
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:19pm
As expected BARACK OBAMA AND MICHELLE OBAMA ARE MIA on this event….just like Benghazi…what a shame….

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- soybomb315_II
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:23pm
  again, do you really want Obama at this thing???
  
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- MK75Gunner
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:41pm
  As the last person in the world to defend BHO, he was actually at the White House this morning to present the Medal of Honor to Clinton Romesha, former US Army S/Sgt, for his actions at COP Keating in Afghanistan….
  
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Charbet
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:16pm
God Bless you Chris Kyle…

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UBETHECHANGE
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:15pm
@Searchingfortruth

No, the SEAL trident was given to Glenn by United States Navy SEAL, Marcus Luttrell.

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edie1945
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:14pm
It is a real shame that our President does not exibit the wonderful traits of Mr. Kyle. Obiviously our President was not raised to love the United States. The proof is in the pudding,

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- soybomb315_II
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:21pm
  our presidents have been scoundrels for at least 60 years
  
  Report this comment
Dury
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:04pm
Chris Kyle was a great guy, a hero and deserved all his honors and awards, and will be truly missed! But Glenn Beck insulted anyone who earned that Seal pin by wearing it. Beck never bothered to serve his country in the military and is like a lot of “wannabe’s” who never put their but lives on the line! Furthermore he has in the past few months insulted any veteran who wears the the Purple Heart by his incorrect and misplaced comments that it was like a kid getting an award for participation. I as a holder of 3 Purple Hearts (yes I was shot and almost died during the last incident), a Bronze Star, a Combat Infanftryman’s Badge amongst the medals awarded for my combat service, I find Beck a jerk and a person who uses others that are braver and more deserving than he will ever be. Mr. Beck go back to your blackboard and leave the true “hero’s” alone.

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- soybomb315_II
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:10pm
  i agree. They call it being a ‘chickenhawk”.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDHjPL3Pfoc
  
  I dont say this often – but thank you for your courage
  
  Report this comment
- jblaze
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:33pm
  DURY
  Thank you for your service, but respectfully disagree with you about Beck. While he is not perfect in anyway, as no man is, he educated his radio and TV listeners with the true meaning of the Purple Heart given out first by President Geo. Washington. It has been the dumbing down by the progressives in government that changed the meaning, not Glenn Beck. It is a good thing to have the truth told and as a freedom fighter you above all should understand and embrace this.
  
  Report this comment
- MK75Gunner
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:47pm
  You may disagree with his actions however keep in mind the Trident that he wore this morning was given to him by Marcus Luttrell, retired Navy SEAL, who asked Glenn to wear it on the program in honor of Chief Kyle. He did make it quite clear that he felt uncomfortable wearing it and was doing it to honor a request from a man who, by Glenn’s own admission, is much braver than he could ever hope to be. If you don’t like the guy at least be rational in your criticism rather than knee jerk “I hate him” response without critically examining the full story.
  
  Report this comment
- Dury
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:27pm
  Beck didn’t earn it, he shouldn’t wear it! I heard Beck compare those who were awarded the Purple Heart to those who get awards for participation and I disagree with this “wannabe” in his trivialization of of the sacrifices that those of us who cared enough about this country, to serve, have made. I am not a liberal and resent their treatment of our warriors as much as I resent the conservative “wannabe”‘s like Beck. He should make his tribute to Chris and other “hero’s” in a appropriate manner that does not include wearing what he didn’t earn. His wearing of the Seal pin or the Purple Heart makes me dislike this poser playing “Mister Dress-up” for his lack respect
  
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- MK75Gunner
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:25pm
  So if you hate the guy so much then why do you spend time watching him?
  
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NoMoMrNiceGuy
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:03pm
Agreed – I am always offended when I see a person wear a pair of wings or CIB that did not earn them. I felt the same way. Even if a close friend or loved one gave them to you. You cherish them but you never wear them.

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soybomb315_II
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:00pm
if it werent for our misguided middle east wars, Chris Kyle would still be alive. So would the thousands of other american soldiers that have died. currently, 20 soldiers are committing suicide every month
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- Bamagal0007
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:16pm
  and you care? Right.
  
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- soybomb315_II
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:30pm
  yes
  
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- Miami
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:56pm
  Please stick to what you know about
  
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- supermansdad
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:05pm
  Partially correct Soy. It’s the lack of coping skills these troops have, usually as a result of single parent households, “everybody gets a trophy” and other similar events. And in case you didn’t know, suicide among troops always rises during or immediately after conflicts. So “misguided” or not is immaterial.
  
  Report this comment
- Warren Of Minooka
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:21pm
  Soybomo 315
  You need to remeber that Chris, gave everything so you could make comment likes this.
  Please show respect for this GREAT Amercian.
  
  Report this comment
- another pucker
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:09pm
  @Bok Choy Soy Nut!!!
  He did not commit suicide he was murdered by someone who was stealing meds from his parents, had spent 2 48hr stints in a psych facility. He was murdered because the ACLU thinks it’s more important to fight for civil rights for the dangerous than to protect the innocent!
  
  Report this comment
- txannie
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:26pm
  @soy…you’r beginning to sound like you belong to the westboro baptist church…you do realize that, right?
  
  Report this comment
- MIBUGNU2
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:40pm
  “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday”……..
  All our SEALs are TRUE American HEROs
  Rest In Peace, Chris Kyle Godspeed !!
  May GOD bless and protect your Family.
  
  Report this comment
- banjarmon
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:12pm
  Thanks from a simple man are not enough for FREEDOM! Thanks Chris Kyle for your ALL!
  banjarmon
  
  Report this comment
- Mil Mom
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:38pm
  @supermansdad
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:05pm
  
  Partially correct Soy. It’s the lack of coping skills these troops have, usually as a result of single parent households, “everybody gets a trophy” and other similar events. And in case you didn’t know, suicide among troops always rises during or immediately after conflicts. So “misguided” or not is immaterial
  ***
  You’re very right, but I’ll always believe part of the problem isn’t PTSD so much as a simple “culture shock”, imagine growing up where each rung of a step ladder has warning labels, where a parent can be jailed for child endangerment for letting his kid ride bike or skateboard without helmet, elbow and knee pads, then going off to war where the enemy will walk up beside you and detonate him/herself to kill you, or slit your throat with a blunt sword to make the torture last longer. A place where any vehicle may be a car bomb, a patched spot in the road an IED, now bring that home, and again the warning signs on stepladders, put plug caps in electrical outlets and don’t forget to wear your seatbelt or else! Culture shock, and people think you’re kind of crazy for being wary of people and things, and half the country hates your guts for protecting them!
  
  Report this comment
- ERP
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:45pm
  @soybomb315_II
  
  Hey @$$ Hole, maybe if 3,000 Americans didn’t die on 9/11/01 then maybe we wouldn’t have to fight. Did you ever think about that or are you just an Islamist apologist?
  
  These soldiers who are committing suicide would have done so regardless of whether they are in the uniform or not. They obviously had some sort of undiagnosed depression that should have been caught before being sent to fight for my country…so give me a break with that Left Wing propaganda.
  
  Report this comment
- lassiegirldawn
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:19am
  This was a hit and they used a solider that was on psychotropic drugs. The number is 22 a day committing suicide. That is 154 a week, 616 a month, 7392 a year so you and I are free to speak what our 1st Amendment says is our God given right. These soldiers are programmed to committee suicide because the administration knows they would fight here at home for the freedom that their military brothers and sisters died for. Kyle knew too much and they could not take a chance on him coming out with anything.
  
  Report this comment
- soybomb315_II
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 7:48am
  seems like you all cant handle truth
  
  Report this comment
- GBT2012
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 12:29pm
  The VA kicked out Eddie Routh even though his family begged them not to. Therein lies the problem. No use blaming the wars….what’s done is done. Time to protest how our veterans are not treated for their wounds, both physical and mental, when they come home. IMO spending billions on our veterans should take priority over losing billions on frivolous green energy projects and spending millions on vacations and private concerts.
  
  Report this comment
- luxlife
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 1:34pm
  What an ugly, specious thing to say Soy.
  
  Report this comment
- soybomb315_II
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 2:20pm
  truth hurts sometimes lux
  
  And GBT, actually the wars are not “DONE” so it does matter. Especially when just a couple months ago you nominated a guy who wanted to expand middle east wars
  
  Report this comment
- luxlife
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:52pm
  your clumsy scribblings here could hardly be confused for the truth.
  
  Report this comment
NoMoMrNiceGuy
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 2:59pm
HOOAH – God has a special place in heaven for you my friend. You may rest now Seal.

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- 000degrees
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:36pm
  Semper Fi
  
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- SLAPTHELEFT
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:53pm
  Patriot. Hero. Role model. American Sniper. Cream of America. Rest in peace Chris. We will continue the fight. Please help me to be as true and steady as you were.
  
  Report this comment
- Vickie Dhaene
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:02pm
  Amen. He has earned his Crowns.
  
  Report this comment
- db321
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:30pm
  Agree Nice Guy – HOOAH – God has a special place in heaven for you my friend. You may rest now Seal.
  
  But by the looks of things, God may be putting together his Army soon, and now he has one of America’s Very Best with his hand raised ready to Serve.
  
  May God comfort all that Morn the loss of this Great American Patriot. RIP Chris Kyle.
  
  Report this comment
- MIBUGNU2
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 6:56pm
  This Great American had a special place in his heart for
  Marines and everyone he fought with, He saved many
  lives while serving as a SEAL, May He Rest In Peace and
  my prayers go out to His Family, GOD SPEED, OORAH !!
  Semper Fi. ..We Will Miss YOU !! Tears are flowing from
  this Marines eyes as I write this…………….GOD BLESS
  
  Report this comment
- SUNTZU
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:39pm
  Father.Son.Husband.Friend
  May God Be With Yours.
  We know your with HIM.
  De Oppressor Liber
  
  Report this comment

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