Chills ran up and down my spine as the crowd rose to their feet, and lowered their voices, as the 2,000 Stripling Warriors walked down Main Street Bountiful during the Handcart Days Parade. If you were not among the many taken back in awe from them, you may not be familiar with the story they portrayed.
The story is found in the Book of Mormon (Alma 53-57). “Nearly 10 years after Captain Moroni raised the Title of Liberty the Lamanites and Nephites were once again at war. The people of Ammon desired to help the Nephites. But, they had made a vow to never to take up arms again.
Their sons had not made this vow. These young men entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of the Nephites.
They were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. They were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.
These 2,000 stripling soldiers had been taught by their mothers that God was with them, that He would not let them fall. Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did not think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their own lives; they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.
Being led by Helaman, they were in many battles, but none died. The Lord rewarded and preserved them; for believing in Him, for having faith, for obeying His commandments, and for striving to serve others.”
Cory Hanks, (Quinn’s uncle), was dressed as Helaman, and led the 2000 young men, dressed as warriors, walking in unison, down the parade route. Each young men carried staff-like sticks hitting them to the beat of their marching feet. It was last parade entry of the night, the most anticipated one, drawing the crowds, and making a spectacular finale.
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