I am not sure where you got that statistic, but it does not sound realistic. It sounds like an urban myth. I have a gun but don't have a concealed carry permit. I tried to Google the claim but the closest I could get is 8 to 10 % of Floridians as an estimate. On our small street of 9 home, 15 people, I would guess that two persons might have a valid concealed carry permit. Legally having a gun in one's residence does not require a "carry permit". Permits are only valid for 7 years.

Personally, my family enjoys an excuse to get together for a festive celebration. We give thanks to GOD for another year that we have put behind us. You are correct in saying we do not require a "special day" to do so. We do give thanks every day. Some folks give thanks on Sundays where they gather together to worship and give thanks. As you said, a special day is not required of us. We just do it. Humans enjoy celebrating holidays, especially if families come together in one location. We don't "need" to get together in order to give thanks, but we do. On the other hand, what does it say about those that disparage those that enjoy a good holiday dedicated to giving "THANKS" to our maker? Hopefully, those folks can find a means to be thankful.

When we attended the permit-to-carry instruction and range session for our Florida permits, our instructor said pretty much the same thing. I agree that it sounds high, but there are a lot of retired military and law enforcement living here so probably not that far off.

Think
 

If you expected people in the past to live up to our standards you need to rethink. Even 25 years ago people did/said things you may think are bad. I didn’t read all the posts but how did it go to conceal carry! Have a good Thanksgiving everyone.