Area fifth- and sixth-graders packed the amphitheater at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on Wednesday to learn the importance of good citizenship.

The Rapid City-based Chiesman Center for Democracy sponsored the "Kids Voting South Dakota" program, which will continue in classes at participating schools, building to the Nov. 4 general election, when almost 80,000 students in all grades statewide are expected to cast straw votes.

The Exchange Club of Rapid City also participated, handing out more than 2,000 small American flags to the students as part of the club's national "Give A Kid A Flag To Wave" program.

President Alan Sewell said the children were excited by but respectful of the flag.

"They did a great job of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag," he said. "If you weren't there, you missed an opportunity to see firsthand the next generation of this country learning about the responsibilities of citizenship and having a great time doing it."