The new Christmas tree donated by 98.7 KISS FM was bedecked at Linn Park in downtown Birmingham. The tree will be under 24-hour observation for the remainder of the Christmas season.
The city of Birmingham's first tree was torched by copper thieves. The thieves were stripping the lights off the 35-foot Norwegian Spruce at around 4 a.m and using gasoline to disconnect the copper wire from the plastic insulation when a fire started, The Birmingham News reported.
Melvin Miller, Birmingham's parks and recreation director, told The Birmingham News that the city's tree had never been damaged before. Earlier the new tree was devoted as children hung ornaments and area mayors and business leaders stood by. Dozens of others watched and highly praised 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 encircled by students from Phillips Academy "This tree symbolizes unity and kindness that is a part of Birmingham."
