In 1984, Father Jerzy Popieluszko, the courageous, outspoken, 'spiritual leader' of Solidarity, was brutally murdered by the communist security service. His death became a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice, mobilising the community, not only in Poland, to action.

One night, shortly after his murder, the people of his parish collected a pile of field stones as a memorial in front of St Stanislaus Kostka Church, where he had been ministering. This gesture of solidarity and remembrance was brutally destroyed by the communist militia, who demolished the improvised monument. However, the determination and spirit of the community did not let this act of forgetfulness go; people were determined to rebuild the monument, only for it to be destroyed again.

Inspired by these events, the community in Connecticut decided to erect a monument that would not only commemorate the life and martyrdom of Father Jerzy Popieluszko, but also serve as a reminder that the fight for human rights requires continued commitment and courage. In its construction, materials were used to symbolise not only the memory of Father Popieluszko, but also the indomitable human spirit in the face of repression. To this end, special steel was resorted to, which over time is covered with a characteristic rusty patina. It symbolises transformation and permanence, reminding us that even in the face of destruction, memory and ideals can survive. The sculpture's curved elements, reminiscent of flames, are both a symbol of resistance and memory, emphasising that the ideals of freedom and justice are constantly alive, even in the face of repression.

The sculpture depicts an eternal flame, surrounded by field stones brought by people from all over the world. These stones not only form the foundation of the monument, but also symbolise individual commitment to defending human rights.

The monument was installed in Walnut Hill Park in New Britain in 1989, as an eternal reminder of the dedication of Father Popieluszko and all those who fight for human rights. The sculpture of the eternal flame, made by Henryk Chotkowski, is dedicated to the memory of the priest and his steadfast belief in the power of good against evil, as emphasised by the text of the inscription on the stone placed nearby: ZLO DOBRZE ZWYCIEZAJ / THIS HUMAN RIGHTS MONUMENT OF COMMON FIELD STONE / AND STEEL IS BUILT IN MEMORY OF FATHER JERZY / POPIELUSZKO WHO GAVE HIS LIFE TO GOD AND TO THE / GOALS OF SOLIDARNOSC - HUMAN RIGHTS, JUSTICE, / PEACE AND FREEDOM FOR POLAND AND FOR ALL MANKIND. / MAY THIS ETERNAL FLAME OF LIBERTY AND THE MEMORY OF HIS COURAGE AND SACRIFICE BURN FOREVER / IN THE HEARTS OF ALL FREEDOM LOVING PEOPLE. / 1947 * GOOD SHALL VANQUISH EVIL 1984 //. (Evil shall vanquish good. This monument to human rights made of ordinary fieldstone and steel was erected in memory of Father Jerzy Popieluszko, who gave his life to God and to the aims of Solidarity - human rights, justice, peace and freedom for Poland and all mankind. May this eternal flame of freedom and the memory of his courage and sacrifice burn forever in the hearts of all freedom-loving people).

The inscription on the pedestal of the monument reads:

The inspiration for our human rights monument was born in Warsaw shortly after the brutal slaying by the communists of Father Jerzy Popieluszko, the courageous, outspoken, spiritual leader of the Solidarosc movement.
One night shortly after his murder the people of his parish gathered a pile of field stones as a monument before their church. The communist police, the 'zomos', tore it down the next day. The following night the people again built a similar monument, and again it was torn down. We here in Connecticut then decided to build an eternal flame, stone and steel monument that nobody would tear down. The monument was to be constructed of long-lasting steel in the form of a flame fed by common field stones placed there by people symbolizing their commitment to the goal of human rights for Poland and for all mankind.
The steel is caller Cor-ten, a type that first weathers and oxidizes to a light brown rust colour, and then gradually becomes brown black, thereafter remaining unchanged for centuries.
Symbolically, the curved pieces represent flames, and the bars represent imprisonment and suppression, as under martial law. However the flames escape and burn, while the bars ironically support the flames and the principle of human rights. Each person viewing the monument will experience a symbolism particular to his own vision, though the overall message should be much the same. The plaque spells out the universal hope for human rights, freedom and peace.