Once again a Christmas tree occupies its traditional space in Linn Park, a day after thieves torched the first spruce and united the region to take action.

The new tree was dedicated this morning as children hung ornaments and area mayors and business leaders stood by. Dozens of others watched and applauded the activities even as a cool rain began to fall on them.

"For what somebody meant for bad we're going to turn it into something for good," said Mayor William Bell surrounded by students from Phillips Academy "This tree symbolizes unity and generosity that is a part of Birmingham."

Bell said the city was flooded with offers to help restore the display following the predawn torching of the first tree. Police are investigating the incident where copper thieves took decorations off the holiday display and burned down the tree. Officials say the incident occurred around 4 a.m. Thieves took off the lights and used gasoline to separate the plastic from the copper, resulting in the apparently accidental blaze.

News of the tree reached national and international audiences Wednesday and today, hitting wire services, blogs and talk shows.

"If I had accepted every offer we would have had our own tree farm here at Linn Park," Bell said.

Cox Radio donated the new tree, a Leyland Cypress.

"It could have been a black eye on Birmingham but it turned out to be a good thing for Birmingham, that the spirit is alive and well in Birmingham," said David DuBose, Cox Media Group Birmingham Vice President and Market Manager.

Before the donation, city officials had said the 35-foot tall Norwegian spruce that came from North Carolina would not be replaced. The city paid $7,500 for the first tree.

Dubose said it would be tragic if the traditional corner for the tree remained empty because of vandals. Cox station 98.7 KISS FM promoted the company's effort to replace the tree and asked listeners to join the effort by bringing an ornament.

"All day long, we'll be adding ornaments," he said.

City officials said the tree will be lit this evening.