SHREVEPORT – The Veterans Resource Center at LSUS is already an eye-catching space with its glass walls, military memorabilia and service flags.

But military veterans will be greeted by an added amenity – a patriotic mural with a poem by Poetic X.

The Caddo Parish Poet Laureate penned the poem “American Battalion,” honoring the service of veterans and those who fought and died.

The poem and mural is part of a parish-wide project called “Put a Poem On It,” as Poetic X has unveiled poetic murals in different districts.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to present poetry and display it at LSUS,” said Poetic X, who performed a recitation of his poem at the dedication ceremony Thursday. “It’s a blessing to place poetry in different districts of Caddo Parish and get an opportunity to do what I love.

“I have a passion for people in the military as I’ve had military members in my family. I’m also passionate about the condition of America, American society and humanity in general. I use poetry to speak to different causes and create solutions to spark resolutions where opportunities exist through poetry.”

Poetic X thanked the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the Caddo Parish Commissioners for providing a platform for the project.

He presented a mini version of the mural to LSUS Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith and Veterans Resource Director Evan Harris.

“This mural is particularly significant as we approach Memorial Day, and it’s an honor to dedicate this mural from Caddo Parish’s very own Poet Laureate,” Smith said. “We have a significant portion of our university population that is either active duty military, a military dependent or a veteran.

“We take the support of this population very seriously through partnerships like the one in place with Barksdale Air Force Base.”

LSUS was recently designated a Military Friendly and Military Spouse Friendly university for its sustainable and meaningful pathways to education for the military community. The designation came from the military organization Viqtory in March.

CUTLINE: Poetic X, the Caddo Parish Poet Laureate, presents his poetic mural “American Battalion” at the Veterans Resource Center at LSUS. The poet is joined by Evan Harris, Kwana Pugh and Dr. Robert Smith.