LTC Seth Allen selected as West Hartford’s Grand Marshal for the 2025 Memorial Day Parade

The Town of West Hartford and the American Legion Post 96 are pleased to announce Lieutenant Colonel Seth M. Allen, Professor of Military Science at the University of Connecticut, shaping the next generation of Army officers, as the Grand Marshal for the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, as well as the keynote speaker for the tenth annual inductees ceremony recognizing graduating high school students entering military service on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

West Hartford takes great pride in hosting its Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony held annually on the federal holiday, last Monday of May. It follows a tradition established by returning West Hartford veterans from World War I in the 1920s. All veterans are welcome to march in the parade. To sign up for the parade, go to https://www.westhartfordct.gov/MemorialDayParade.

The Memorial Day Parade commences promptly at 10 AM on Monday, May 26, from the corner of Woodrow Street and Farmington Avenue, and ends at the Town Hall. The parade features a military flyover, veterans from all military branches, the American Legion Post 96, town officials, Police and Fire color guards, high school and middle school marching bands, boy and girl scouts, sports teams, and civic organizations.

Immediately following the parade each year, a brief Memorial Day ceremony is held at the Veterans Memorial to bring special meaning to the holiday. The Veteran’s Memorial is located at the corner of North Main Street and Farmington Avenue.

In the event of rain, the parade is canceled, and the ceremony is moved to the Town Hall Auditorium, 50 South Main Street, at 11:00 AM. A notice will be posted on the town’s website, https://www.westhartfordct.gov/.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Seth M. Allen, a native of Fairfax, Virginia, was raised in a military family as the son of COL (R) Richard Allen. He was commissioned as a Field Artillery officer in February 2004 after completing Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s in Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University.

Throughout his career, LTC Allen has served in a variety of leadership and operational roles. His assignments include serving as a US Army Interagency Fellow with the ATF/FEMA, Brigade Executive Officer for the 177th Armored Brigade, Battalion Executive Officer for the 2nd Battalion, 305th Field Artillery Regiment, and Brigade Fire Support Officer for the 2^nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. He has also held key positions such as Battalion Operations Officer for the 1st Battalion, 7^th Field Artillery Regiment, and Battery Commander for Alpha Battery, 2-77 Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

LTC Allen has deployed on multiple operational tours, including Kuwait and Jordan in support of Operation Spartan Shield, Afghanistan with the 4th Infantry Division, and Iraq, where he served as a Military Advisor with the 31st Military Transition Team and in several leadership positions with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment.

A graduate of numerous advanced military courses, LTC Allen has completed the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Captain’s Career Courses, Command and General Staff College, Ranger School, Airborne School, Army Operational Electronic Warfare School, Military Transition Team Course, Joint Firepower Controller Course, First Army Observer Controller Course, University Senior Leader Course, and Common Faculty Development-Instructor Course to name a few.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (2 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, and Senior Army Instructor Badge.

Since 2021, LTC Allen has been serving as the Professor of Military Science at the University of Connecticut, shaping the next generation of Army officers. He plans to retire in the summer of 2025 after 22 years of dedicated service and continue contributing to the Connecticut community through higher education.

LTC Allen resides in West Hartford, with his wife, Megan J. Allen, and their son, Soren. They plan to remain in Connecticut following his retirement.

Questions about the parade and ceremony may be directed to Renée McCue at 860-561-7521, renee@westhartfordct.gov.