Normally, people celebrate their birthdays surrounded by close family and friends. The coronavirus pandemic has temporarily put an end to those types of celebrations for nursing homes to better protect residents from the disease. 

But, the public health crisis didn’t stop an Alabama skilled nursing center from making sure a resident celebrated his 100th birthday in style. 

“During times like these, it’s so important to hold onto the good things in life and celebrate when we can,” said Amaryllis Pearson, recreation therapy director at Capitol Hill Healthcare, a 284-bed facility in Montgomery, AL.

Capitol Hill resident Wilborn Vaughn, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, turned 100 on Sunday. On Friday, the facility celebrated his birthday social-distancing style. 

Along with cake and balloons — because what’s a party without those staples — the facility put together a parade for Vaughn. His family, friends and a fire truck were all a part of the parade and celebrated with him from across the street. 

“Mr. Vaughn has lived a long life and deserves to see how much people love and care for him,” Pearson added.