Last December, voters in his Democratic Party had the opportunity to choose a younger, more vibrant politician to carry the torch for the Italian left in the upcoming election in the form of Matteo Renzi, the brash 38-year-old mayor of Florence.

CNN: Can the anti-Berlusconi pull Italy out of the mire?

On Sunday, the organization's website read, "The Loss of a Hero, " and said the foundation "will always carry the torch" for the military men and women.

NPR: A Glance At The Life Of Chris Kyle, Ex-Navy SEAL