6 red lights flying in a line over Fairfax, VA while changing speed and position before simultaneously disappearing

I am a recent college grad living in the Metro Washington D.C. area. I see hundreds of airplanes and helicopters in the sky on a weekly basis. I have never been intoxicated or on drugs, and consider myself to be a reliable witness.
 On New Year’s Eve 12/31/10 at approximately 11:40pm, I was leaving a friend’s party in Fairfax, VA, and as I entered my car which was facing south, I witnessed 6 round red lights flying in a line low above the trees  in a Northbound direction due east of my position.  I’m not sure how far away they were, but the 6 lights flew in no apparent formation in a general northbound direction.  I quickly got out of the car to get a better view, and alerted my friend and his cousin who were sitting on the front porch. Both witnessed the event alongside me.  As the red lights flew, it was apparent that they were changing speeds, and changing positions with each other as they flew.  The event lasted for a full minute, and just as the 6 lights began to become distant, they all suddenly vanished in unison. I understand that on New Year’s eve there is the possibility of fireworks in the sky.  I assure you that these were not fireworks.  I’ve never known fireworks to change speeds and to fly for a solid minute in one direction before burning out, not to mention the simultaneous nature of the disappearance.