RESTON, Va. - May 11, 2020 - Hunters Woods at Trails Edge senior living community thought outside of the box to honor military heroes and safely celebrate Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 16.

Hunters Woods at Trails Edge continues to follow CDC guidelines as well as state and local standards during the COVID-19 pandemic. The senior living community plans to recognize the U.S. Armed Forces while following social distancing and other precautions during a parade of antique cars.

That's where the Northern Virginia Regional Group 96 Early Ford Club of America fits into the plan. Many of the club's members are veterans or have strong ties to the military. The Early Ford Club of America will drive 12 to 15 cars through the parking lot at Hunters Woods at Trails Edge, enabling residents and staff to watch through windows in their rooms.

Cub Scouts Pack 159 of Fox Mill Elementary School in Herndon will participate with members standing 10 feet apart while holding flags representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The event, which includes patriotic music, will begin at 10:45 a.m. on May 16 at Hunters Woods at Trails Edge, 2222 Colts Neck Road in Reston.

"Our LifeStages Director Paul Adam put together this creative event to honor the Armed Forces while safely treating our residents to a parade of wonderful antique cars," said Cissy Nickel, Executive Director of Independent Living Operations at Hunters Woods at Trails Edge.

Members of the Northern Virginia Regional Group 96 Early Ford Club of America will drive Fords mostly from the model years 1932 to 1953.

"The salute to our Armed Forces car show will be a great event, especially since we have many veterans living right here at Hunters Woods at Trails Edge," Adam said.

"This is the time of year, especially on the weekends, when there traditionally are huge car shows," Nickel said. "But those shows are canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While social distancing and other common-sense precautions will prevent us from holding a true car show, this parade will be the next best option. It will be safe for all those involved and we will have an opportunity to honor those who served in the Armed Forces."

Nickel said each car will slowly advance through the parking lot, allowing those inside an opportunity to watch. After each car is showcased, all of the vehicles will make one grand finale drive through the lot to close the parade.

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Media Contact
Cissy Nickel, Exec. Dir. Independent Living Operations