This Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of the fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, children, wives and husbands among us who dedicate their lives to keeping us from harm’s way.

First, there are the 1.3 million active duty military and more than 800,000 reserve forces.

These are the men and women who make this country great by contributing to its freedom and safeguarding our future.

Having no control over where they’re sent, these veterans leave homes, families and jobs in order to protect our freedoms and way of life.

Many of the veterans often return home with permanent scars. Some are visible, such as the loss of a limb.

But many others have made the ultimate sacrifice or returned bearing mental or emotional scars.

These veterans have earned any benefits our nation can offer to help return their lives to a sense of normalcy.

Next, we’re thankful for the 25,300,000 first responders in the U.S. who answer the call to keep our communities safe and our loved ones and homes protected.

Last year, Sen. Wayne Allard of Colorado sponsored a bill that designated Sept. 25 as National First Responder Appreciation Day. It was co-sponsored by more than 30 senators.

Whether it’s from a natural disaster like hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms or the wildfires that are currently raging in California, these responders put their lives on the line to save lives, protect property and uphold the law.

The daily challenges they face are reflected in these statistics:

• One hundred firefighters die in the line of duty each year.

• An estimated 240 million 911 calls are made in the U.S. per year.

• A fire department responds to a fire every 24 seconds.

• Emergency Medical Services take care of 22 million patients a year.

Finally, we can be thankful for the more than 20,000 Immigration and Custom Enforcement employees working within the U.S. and in 46 other countries.

They are the ones who enforce the federal laws governing border control, customs, trade and immigration to promote homeland security and public safety.

ICE has been fiercely criticized by some high-ranking Democrats who want to see the agency abolished.

One of the most vocal, California Sen. Kamala Harris, grilled Ronald Vitiello, the acting director of ICE, in a hearing on Capitol Hill last week. Showing obvious disdain for ICE agents, Harris asked if he is aware of the “perception” of similarities between ICE and the KKK.

Even mentioning these two groups in the same sentence sparked immediate outrage from right-wing conservatives, including RNC Chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel who called Harris’ remarks “disgusting” partisanship.

Rep. Dan Webster of Florida knows firsthand the vital service that ICE gives residents of southern states.

“America is a nation of laws,” he said. “Our nation’s law enforcement officers play a vital role in preventing crime and promoting a sense of security for all who live, work and play in our communities.

“In order to keep our communities safe and free from fear, law enforcement officers often place themselves in dangerous and even life-threatening situations. These courageous public servants deserve our respect and confidence.”

Respect is something politicians like Sen. Harris need to show when addressing public servants whose sole focus is to enforce our laws by protecting our national borders.

By Jim Zbick | tneditor@tnonline.com