weapons. They march with “USA” painted in bright red on their bare chests. In the background, the, “Stars and Stripes” wave from a large flagpole. During February, the villagers celebrate and worship their almighty “leader.” The official day of “John Frum” is held annually on February 15th. February 15th gains it’s significance being the day when villagers raised the United States flag for the first time. This celebration is held every year in hope that their continued homage to the USA will lead to a return of their “messiah.” The hope is that this celebration may entice another delivery of “cargo.” As one of the longest lasting cargo cults, The Vanuatu cult is especially unique and is a prime example of how human misinterpretation can lead to an entire population changing their cultural identity.
Left, below: The American’s used Vanuatu as a staging ground for the war against the Japanese. Below: Marching to the “Stars and stripes.”
An American G.I. in Vanuatu