Tree honoring Ferguson teenager Michael Brown vandalized shortly after being planted

A tree honoring Ferguson teenager Michael Brown has been replaced Tuesday, just hours after it was vandalized.

Despite the hurt and anger caused by the destruction, people in St. Louis say the quick response is more of a statement than the vandalism will ever be.

There are plaques throughout the park next to trees that have grown and tall and strong through the years.

Michael Brown's tree didn't even make it a day.

"If it was intentional then they know they were wrong for doing it because at the end of the day someone lost their life. It could have been them. It could have been one of their family members. I just think it wasn't right," said a passerby.

"It's real sad day when a tree is dedicated and the next day someone comes along and destroys it just for the heck of it," said Gerald Brooks of the Black Caucus of American Library Association.

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association is holding its national conference in St. Louis this summer. The group, which promotes library related careers among African Americans in addition to literacy initiatives and scholarships, dedicated the tree as a symbol of healing leading up to the conference.

Leaders are thrilled to see the replacement tree already planted and the vandalized tree re-planted nearby.

There are Ferguson residents who wonder about whether it's proper for an outside group to dedicate a tree here, no matter how well-meaning.

The association has now released a statement affirming its commitment to the St. Louis conference and the meaning behind the tree planting.

"Many things have been destroyed in Ferguson but we saw the tree as a symbol of peace, comfort, hope, and renewal," said Brooks.