Many of us celebrate Memorial Day each May with a summer barbecue, beach trip, or town parade. Some will watch the Indianapolis 500 or other sporting events. Families will gather to spend time together relaxing, playing games, and enjoying each other’s company. But no matter your plans, it’s important to remember the true meaning of the holiday. It is a day dedicated to honoring the fallen soldiers who fought to protect our freedom.
Here are a few quotes that deserve to be shared to remind us of our soldiers’ sacrifices, past and present, and to help honor those who inspired such powerful words. Simply put, it is a way to say thank you. Their service and sacrifice deserve honor and recognition every day, not just on this occasion.
“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 individuals who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedom of the United States of America. Please also keep in your thoughts and prayers the men and women who currently serve in our armed forces. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Now is the time to prepare your terminal facility for the long Memorial Day holiday weekend.
This is the first three-day holiday weekend of the year, and it is not uncommon for thieves to target truck terminals and dealerships during holidays. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an escalation in vehicle break-ins. Another theft item that has increased significantly is the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The DPF is constructed with precious metals, and thieves use battery-powered saws to cut it off the vehicle. Thieves recently stole a complete after-treatment system from one of our customer units. The theft not only resulted in the cost of replacing the parts, but also caused the unit to be down for six weeks due to backordered parts. Thieves know holidays present a good opportunity for successful thefts because facilities are often unattended.
Here are some security tips:
• Make sure you take extra precautions to secure trucks and other valuable items at your facility.
• If your units do not have anti-siphon fuel devices or locking fuel caps, instruct drivers not to fill the units at the end of the day.
• Make sure all security alarms and cameras are in working order.
• Walk the perimeter of the yard to ensure security fencing is in good condition.
• Move units and other materials, such as pallets and tires, far enough away from the fence so they cannot be used to climb over it.
• Review your security lighting to ensure it is operational and adequate. Lighting can be obstructed by vehicles or trees, allowing thieves places to remain unseen.
• Make sure the security alarm system is operational and that cameras are properly adjusted.
• Consider blocking the entrances and exits to the lot so units cannot be stolen. Throughout the three-day weekend, assign management personnel to check the terminal at random times.
• Notify local law enforcement officials of your hours of operation during the holiday so they know when to expect activity at your location.
Using a little prevention and common sense can help deter thieves from targeting your facility and disrupting your business.
Cargo theft up so far this year, expected to rise over Memorial Day weekend
Cargo theft has already seen a significant increase so far in 2026, and cargo theft tracking firm CargoNet is warning truck drivers and others in the supply chain that the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend will likely see an even greater uptick in theft activity.
Source: CargoNet
Your next Idealease Safety Bulletin will be distributed on June 5 due to the Memorial Day holiday next week.
