Cedarhurst resident Rabbi Capt. Mark Getman goes to Washington

Rabbi Capt. Mark Getman, of Cedarhurst was invited to Washington D.C. to lead the House of Representatives in its opening prayer, as the guest chaplain on July 24. The military veteran, cancer survivor and community leader, was welcomed by Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-Garden City), who represents New York’s 4th Congressional District, which includes the Five Towns.

Rice thanked Getman for his prayer as well as his military service. In the prayer, Getman spoke of world peace and harmony, a message that Rice believes “our country needs to hear, perhaps now more than ever.”

Getman was awarded a New York Guard Commander’s Citation in November for his continuing commitment to serve the community, state and nation as part of New York State’s military forces.

The New York Guard is a force of 500 uniformed volunteers, organized as a military unit, who augment the New York National Guard during state emergencies. They provide administrative and logistics support to the National Guard. Members of the New York Guard have been involved in flood control efforts along the Lake Ontario shoreline this summer.