Memorial Day Holiday

Every May, many of us celebrate Memorial Day with summer barbecues, beach trips, or town parades. Some watch the Indianapolis 500 or other sporting events. Families gather to relax, play games, and enjoy each other’s company. But no matter your plans, it’s important to remember the true meaning of the holiday. Memorial Day is a time to honor the fallen soldiers who have bravely fought to protect our freedom.

Below are a few powerful quotes that remind us of the sacrifices made by our soldiers—past and present—and help us honor those who inspired such meaningful words. Simply put, it’s a time to say thank you. This recognition of service and sacrifice should be a daily practice, not reserved for just one day.

"Memorial Day: Celebrate, honor, remember."

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” – Ronald Reagan

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” – Adlai E. Stevenson II

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.” – George S. Patton

“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” – Lee Greenwood

On May 3, 2000, President William J. Clinton designated 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day as a time for U.S. citizens to observe one minute of silence in respect and reverence for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation’s freedom.

Also, please keep in your thoughts and prayers the brave men and women currently serving in our armed forces.

Wishing you a safe and meaningful holiday.

As we approach the first three-day holiday weekend of the year, it’s important to remain vigilant. Holidays are a prime time for thieves to target truck terminals and dealerships—especially during periods of lower activity. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in vehicle break-ins and thefts, including a rise in the theft of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), which are made with valuable precious metals.

Thieves often use battery-powered saws to remove DPFs quickly. In one recent case, a customer had an entire aftertreatment system stolen. Not only did the theft incur the cost of replacing the system, but it also resulted in the unit being out of service for six weeks due to parts being on backorder.

Criminals know holidays present a window of opportunity—when facilities may be unattended or lightly staffed. Please take time to review the following security tips to protect your location:

Security Tips:

• Secure Vehicles and Valuables: Take extra precautions to lock down trucks and high-value items.

• Fuel Theft Prevention: If your units lack anti-siphon devices or locking fuel caps, instruct drivers not to fuel up at the end of the day.

• Verify Alarm and Surveillance Systems: Ensure all security alarms and cameras are fully operational and properly positioned.

• Inspect Fencing: Walk the yard perimeter to confirm fencing is intact and secure.

• Clear the Perimeter: Move units, pallets, tires, and other items away from fences to prevent them from being used to climb over.

• Check Security Lighting: Make sure all lighting is functional and unobstructed. Trees or vehicles can create shadows where thieves can hide.

• Block Lot Entrances: Consider physically blocking access to the lot to prevent vehicle theft.

• Random Facility Checks: Assign management personnel to check the property periodically throughout the weekend.

• Notify Local Law Enforcement: Let them know your holiday hours so they can monitor unusual activity accordingly.

With a little extra prevention and common sense, you can greatly reduce the risk of theft and avoid costly disruptions to your business.

Stay safe and secure this holiday weekend!

Cargo theft, up 40% so far this year, expected to rise for Memorial Day 

Cargo theft expected to rise more over the holiday weekend

Cargo theft has already seen a significant rise in 2025, and industry experts at CargoNet are warning truck drivers and others in the supply chain that theft activity is expected to spike even further over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

Source: CargoNet

As a reminder, your next Idealease Safety Bulletin will be released on June 6 due to the Memorial Day holiday next week.

Click It or Ticket!

No matter what type of vehicle you drive, one of the simplest and most effective safety choices you can make is to buckle up.

With increased travel over Memorial Day weekend, you can expect to see more law enforcement on the roads as part of the Click It or Ticket campaign. Running from May 19 through June 1, this initiative emphasizes the life-saving importance of seat belt use and the legal consequences—including fines—for not wearing one.

Stay alert. Stay safe. Buckle up.