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The plan to erect an outdoor shrine in honor of the men and women of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish who donned the uniform of their country began to take shape in the latter part of World War II.

At the end of the war when the total list of casualties for the parish was compiled, it was discovered that though the parish had been represented at every post of danger on every continent and on the seven seas, of a total of 577 who donned the uniform, 563 returned safe and sound without impairment of mental or physical health. Of the 14 who made the supreme sacrifice, 12 laid down their lives on the field of battle and 2 died in the line of duty within the borders of the United States. This toll of casualties, so much less than had been anticipated, gave added impetus to the movement for a permanent memorial to those who served.

The task of designing the structure features of the shrine was entrusted to the capable hands of Mr. Anthony J. DePace, architect of New York, who had achieved such notable success in designing the church and convent buildings ten years earlier. The choice of the artist for the sculptural features of the shrine was Mr. John G. Hardy, who had designed and executed the interior statuary and furnishings of the church.

As plans for the memorial advanced it was deemed unwise to confine the religious features to a single subject which would remain unchanged throughout the year. By alternating the subject to conform with the spirit of the principal liturgical seasons, the interest and devotion of the people could be maintained and perennially renewed. The three subjects chosen were