I prefer to think that in some places/instances, we have risen to the point, where having a gun showing, isn’t considered necessary. I’ve had a concealed permit for a number of years, in 2 states, but I never carry at these kinds of family events. I’m 56yo, and in my entire civilian life, I have never had cause or even thought I had cause, to need my weapon.
Your opinion will change the day you need your weapon and it is at home or in the trunk of your car. I hope nothing ghastly happens on this occasion. See post #32
On the flip side, once I was directing traffic around a disabled vehicle and was NOT in uniform. This is something a non-LEO might do. A guy came at me with a club. I'd never seen him before. He has issues (and as it turned out, the proverbial arm-length rap sheet).
Since I am older even than you (hard as that may be to believe) and there was no place to run, I was glad to see his expression and attitude change when viewed over the sights of my p239.
And while open carry is allowed in VA, it is required (if one is to be armed) in situations where alcohol is around. Funny law, but there it is.
In any event, you aren't dead yet, and you only need one lunatic coming at you with a baseball bat to persuade you that a handgun is useful now and then.
I don't think what we're saying is intrinsically contradictory. I'd like visible handguns to be unnecessary while also not striking fear in the hearts of average citizens.