Poland to award Reagan with highest distinction

WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland will award late U.S. president Ronald Reagan one of its highest distinctions to recognize his role in the downfall of communism in Europe, the president's office told Reuters on Wednesday.

Polish President Lech Kaczynski will present the Order of the White Eagle to Nancy Reagan, the former president's widow, during a visit to the United States next week.

"The president noted the award should recognize Reagan's 8-year presidency and his contribution to the downfall of communism in this part of Europe," said Lena Dabkowska-Cichocka, sub-secretary in the president's office.

Many Poles credit Reagan, who took office in 1981, with helping the anti-communist movement in eastern Europe.

He was known for portraying the Soviet Union as an "evil empire" and supporting Poland's Solidarity movement which pushed the Eastern European country to become the first in the region to shake off communism in 1989.