Though all students enjoyed Labor Day off last Monday, its meaning isn’t completely clear. People’s first thoughts of the holiday range from barbecues and parades to a somber last day of summer; meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Labor calls it a historic celebration of the American worker. What does this really mean, and what should it mean to our town?
This weekend, three Darien workers— a restaurant manager, a librarian, and a police officer— were asked to voice their interpretations of the holiday and what they personally do behind the scenes. Though their perspectives were different, there was a surprising amount of overlap. The workers mentioned gratitude and late nights. They reflected on the joy in helping others. Most of all, they illuminated how entire communities run only because of the day-to-day actions of their members.
1. Sijo George
For 15 years, Sijo George has served as the specialty chef and manager of Coromandel, a fine-dining Indian restaurant on Old Kings Highway. Each day, he oversees regular operations, manages staff, handles finances, and completes various other tasks until the business closes at 9:00. When there’s a supply chain disruption or emergency, George is the one to handle it. He cites peak-time pressure and consistency as some of the biggest challenges.
While George recognizes Labor Day as a time to recharge, he also sees it as an opportunity to give back to the community and support workers’ organizations. In addition, he occasionally hosts meals or team-building activities for his staff, mentioning that watching them grow is one of the best parts of his job. Other enjoyable aspects are the fast pace of his work and seeing the same customers return again and again.
“I never even realize that I’m working in a restaurant,” George says. “It always feels like my own family is coming to visit, and all I want to do is treat them well.”
2. Kiera Parrott
Kiera Parrott has worked at the Darien Library for ten years: first as a children’s librarian, and currently as the director. Similarly to a restaurant manager, she must handle staff and budget, as well as decide which policies should be implemented when. However, Parrot’s favorite part of the job is to help patrons face-to-face at the Welcome, Reference, or Children’s Desks. “You never know who is going to walk through the doors and what types of questions they may have,” she says. “Every single day is a surprise!”
On Labor Day, Parrott usually spends her time with a book or in the garden, enjoying the last few moments of peace. She sees two components to the holiday: the “fun aspect” of barbecues and parties, and the quieter appreciation of those who shape our communities.
“I think about the staff at Town Hall, the many people employed at the vast array of local businesses in Darien, the postal workers, the grocery store clerks—everyone has an important role to play,” Parrott says.
3. Bryce Brown
For the past four years, Bryce Brown has served as the school resource officer of DHS. Handling the safety of over a thousand children and faculty members is no easy task; he must take all risk factors into account, like potential threats around doors and hallways. To avert these, Brown conducts routine laps, “creating an omnipresence” that prevents dangerous behavior. The officer also monitors the cafeteria every lunch wave to protect the school’s most dangerous location. However, Brown’s job goes beyond enforcing the law. He spends much of his time in his open-door office, where students often drop by to ask for help or tell him about their day.
“One of the most challenging parts of being an SRO is helping people see past the uniform,” Brown says. “When you do that, you can truly help more people.” Although there’s difficulty in forging relationships with the students, Brown states that his most memorable experiences are working together with them, helping these kids through crisis.
Brown spends Labor Days at his job, a reality shared by millions of America’s essential staff. For people in these positions, the holiday can be more about sacrifice than vacation— it’s all the more important, then, to honor the efforts and contributions of all the workers around us, even after the holiday has passed. This spirit can be carried on to everyday life. In Brown’s words, “Labor Day celebrates the working class. We honor their blood, sweat, tears, and long hours they put into their professions, which ultimately makes this country run.”
