THOUSANDS SALUTE VETS IN WESTLAKE; MAHONY VISITS SIMI TO PRAISE SACRIFICE, ISSUE CALL FOR PEACE.

Byline: David Greenberg Daily News Staff Writer

An estimated 2,300 people gathered at Valley Oaks Memorial Park on Monday to observe the Gettysburg Address and memorials to other wars read by actors in period costumes, emotional tributes by families of fallen veterans, and a 21-gun salute.

The Westlake Village ceremony, one of the largest in Southern California, offered Sgt. Mauricio Torres of the 23rd Marine Corps from Port Hueneme a chance to honor his uncle, Steven Marcombe, a Marine who died in Vietnam in 1969.

``It's very personal,'' Torres said. ``I'm following in his footsteps, serving my country - trying to honor him.''

Retired Navy Cmdr. Walt Visniki said the large gathering reminded him of how President Reagan helped restore the nation's faith in its military - something he said was lacking when he returned from combat duty in Vietnam.

``We saw a rebuilding of the military and more concern for what had been done by the military to gain and keep our freedom,'' he said.

With the end of ``one of the bloodiest centuries'' near, Cardinal Roger Mahony, surrounded by the graves of veterans, joined 600 worshippers Monday in Simi Valley in asking God for a more peaceful new millennium.

Speaking at Assumption Cemetery before a Memorial Day service there, Mahony also said the time should be used to pay homage to veterans fallen from battle and not simply viewed as a day off from work.

``It's very important to pause and remember why we are celebrating these holidays,'' he said. ``It helps us to remember the sacrifices of so many people in this country. It is a time to remember these men and women who fought for our liberties around the world. We pray their sacrifice has not been in vain.''

The hourlong service at Assumption, one of 11 cemeteries owned by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was one of numerous ceremonies across the Southland.

Mahony said American aid to impoverished countries is too often spent on arms instead of food, medical supplies and schools.

``That's not the road to peace,'' he said. ``The desire of leaders of countries to take our neighbors has got to stop. You cannot exist today in isolation from the rest of the world community and therefore we have to find ways to work more closely together.''

Mahony, elevated to the position of cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1991, holds services at different cemeteries each Memorial Day and All Souls Day.

``He wants to be accessible to everybody,'' said Sam Frias, deacon of the Archdiocesan Catholic Center's cemeteries department. ``He comes to the people. He is our shepherd.''

Five current and retired bishops and several key regional pastors spoke at services at the other 10 archdiocese cemeteries.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Davis of Moorpark said he attended the ceremony at Assumption out of a sense of moral obligation.

``I'm taking time to show respect for the people who fought for the foundation of our country,'' he said. ``There's no higher gift they can give us than their lives. Being here is the least I could do.''

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6 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) (Ran in Conejo Edition only) Vietnam veteran Skip Thomas holds his grandson, Charles Thomas, 2, at Memorial Day services.

(2-3--Color) (Ran in Conejo Edition only) Marine Sgt. Mauricio Torres, center, joins others in re-creating the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima during Memorial Day services at Valley Oaks Memorial Park, above. At left, a flag casts a heart-shape shadow over the grave of a veteran.

(4--Color) (Ran in Simi Edition only) Bernadine Staner plants a flag at the grave of her father, WWII veteran Nicholas Lamagna.

(5--Color) (Ran in Simi Edition only) Archbishop Roger Mahony leads the Memorial Day Mass at Assumption Cemetery in Simi Valley.

(6--Color) (Ran in Simi Edition only) Sue Womack, center, joins hands with other worshippers during Mass at Assumption Cemetery.

Charlotte Schmid-Maybach/Daily News