Sunday marks Veterans Day, an official public holiday set aside to honor military veterans.

But what makes this year’s observance even all the more significant, is it commemorates the centennial of the end of World War I.

On Nov. 11, 1918, world leaders signed the Armistice ending World War I and its four years of bloody conflict.

For William Leickel of Slatington, this year’s holiday is especially gratifying due to his family lineage.

His uncle, George Frederick Leickel, also known as Fred Leickel, served in World War I.

Fred was born in Weissport on Nov. 27, 1894.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 17, 1917, in Bethlehem.

Fred served in France with the 107th field Artillery, Battery A of the 28th Division.

He was assigned to the 237th MP Co. APO 705.

Fred saw action at the Vesle River and the Argonne Forest, and received the Victory Medal, which was awarded to those who served in a combat zone.

He was honorably discharged from the Army on July 23, 1919.

William knows a thing or two — actually much more than that — on what it means to serve his country.

In the military as a member of the Air Force, William served from 1951-1971.

Before that, he was in the National Guard from 1950-51.

William said he’s proud of his uncle’s service to our country.

“I’d like to recognize those that have served their country,” William said.

Fred died in Lehighton on July 5, 1963.

World War I began in 1914, after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and lasted until 1918.

During the conflict, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire (the Central Powers) fought against Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Japan and the United States (the Allied Powers).