The horsemen carry spears on their back, and with their bowed heads the sculpture intends to convey the themes of crucifixion and sacrifice.

[2] According to its creator they are intended to represent: Five armed riders in a marching formation; five desperate men who resemble forest ghosts more than they resemble human beings ... five partisans who are tattered, mortally tired, who are bleeding from endless battles, escapes, skirmishes ... immersed with their own thoughts about the tragedy of their nation, who are riding their horses, stumbling from exhaustion.

They fought bravely with NKVD, Soviet Red Army; and with Polish traitors from the UB, KBW, MO, ORMO, [with all] 'consolidators of the people's [communist] regime.

City officials cited concerns that the statue lacked a proper pedestal and stored it in a warehouse, which triggered protests from the Polish-American community and from the sculptor himself.

[4][5][6] In July of that year, the statue was moved to a new public location, thanks to assistance from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).