Wisconsin Man's Needlepoint Tributes Honor American Veterans

Brian Van Scoter has spent years creating detailed needlepoint pieces to recognize the sacrifice of U.S. military members.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:04pm

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An out-of-focus photograph of a military uniform hanging on a clothesline, the fabric softly moving in the wind and bathed in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of reverence and reflection.A veteran's uniform sways gently in the breeze, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made to protect American freedom.Oconto Today

In Oconto, Wisconsin, Brian Van Scoter has spent years creating detailed needlepoint tributes honoring all branches of the U.S. military. What began as a simple project has grown into a personal mission to recognize the sacrifice of American veterans, with many of his creations inspired by his own family members who served.

Why it matters

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Van Scoter's needlepoint work serves as a way to give back and keep patriotic spirits high, allowing veterans to see their service recognized through intricate stitchwork.

The details

Over time, Van Scoter's work has evolved into a collection of over 1,200 needlepoint projects, totaling upwards of 8,000 hours spent honoring both past and present U.S. military members. From military logos to patriotic symbols, every stitch carries meaning, with some pieces taking only a few hours while others can take weeks or even months to complete.

  • Van Scoter started on a sample needlepoint piece back in 2015.
  • For the last five years, Van Scoter has been creating more and more detailed needlepoint tributes.

The players

Brian Van Scoter

A resident of Oconto, Wisconsin who has spent years creating detailed needlepoint tributes honoring all branches of the U.S. military.

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What they’re saying

“I started on a sample piece back in 2015, and I started getting more and more detailed.”

— Brian Van Scoter

“For the last five years, I've been doing more and more because a lot of my grandparents, uncles and ancestors were in service. I put a lot of time and heart into it because I do it for all my relations who were in service.”

— Brian Van Scoter

“It's time-consuming and takes a lot of patience.”

— Brian Van Scoter

“When veterans see a logo, I hope they know I am thinking of them.”

— Brian Van Scoter

“I do a lot of it for the meaning of what's going on in our world. I try to keep things positive and try to keep the spirits up, no matter what it is.”

— Brian Van Scoter

The takeaway

Brian Van Scoter's needlepoint tributes to American veterans serve as a heartfelt and intricate way to honor those who have served, keeping patriotic spirits high as the nation approaches a major milestone in its history.