Sited as a focal point at the far end of the Hall of Memories, with a skylight casting light on the work from above, this sculpture of a mother and two children was intended as a symbol of the impacts war had on families.

Many men (husbands, fathers, brothers, sons) fought to protect their loved ones back home, and their loss had a lasting impact on the people they left behind. This depiction of a woman with her children is a most unusual motif for a war memorial hall, and remains one of the few memorials to depict this aspect of loss.

The work was designed to represent all families during times of war, and evokes a sense of sanctuary within the hall.

The National War Memorial has a Heritage NZ Category 1 listing. This sculpture is listed as a Notable Feature, along with the bronze sculpture of Henderson and his donkey, by Paul Walshe.