The Ronald Reagan Freedom Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation.[1] The award is given to "those who have made monumental and lasting contributions to the cause of freedom worldwide."[2]
Until her death, the award was given by former first lady Nancy Reagan on behalf of her husband, who died in June 2004. The award was first given in 1992, by former president Ronald Reagan himself. In 1994, his wife, Nancy Reagan presented the award instead as he himself had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease that year and was unable to attend the ceremony.
In order to receive the award, the potential recipient had to "have made monumental and lasting contributions to the cause of freedom worldwide", as well as "embody President Reagan's lifelong belief that one man or woman truly can make a difference".[2]