All we are is all we were.

These words by University of Windsor Professor Justin A. Langlois are written across the imitation windmill on Mill Street on the shores of Sandwich. This piece was erected during the bicentennial celebration for the War of 1812.

Since spending the evening in Sandwich I have had trouble getting these simple words out of my head.

The City of Windsor states that, "The mural aims to capture the resilient and creative spirit of two communities through a recognition and reflection of our past, present and future."

Who we are as a community is something that is ever-changing. I can't image that General Brock and Tecumseh imaged that their infamous meeting would eventually take place next to the busiest border crossing in North America; yet alone, that our neighbours to the north and south would become our greatest and most trusted ally.

When the seigneurial systems of Windsor-Essex were first erected, their builders obviously never accounted for the eventual need of electricity. This results in power lines crisscrossing in front of buildings obscuring the roots of Windsor's past.

Who could have imagined the impact build a bridge on Huron Line would have had on the way Windsor forms its current identity.

As we press further into the 21st century Windsor's identity will continue to change; however, I would be hesitant to say that, "all we are is all we were." Our past is an important part of our identity, but this way of thinking leaves out so much. Our future is always what we choose to make of it.

Some of what we are is what we were.

We can always be so much more.