Mitt Romney today held up Poland as an example of freedom, as he pledged his administration would stand in solidarity with a longtime U.S. ally.

The likely GOP presidential nominee wrapped up his three-day overseas trip today, bringing an end to a tour where he drew some headlines for his fumbles.

STORY: Romney eyes swing states with Poland trip

Romney insulted the British with his critique of their readiness for the Olympics and angered Palestinians with comments comparing their economy with that of Israelis. His press aide lost his cool today and cursed at reporters during a visit to Poland's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

In his Warsaw speech, Romney repeatedly praised Poland and held up the country's opposition to a government-dominated economy as an example for countries in the Arab world, Latin America, Africa and even nearby Russia. He hailed the contributions of former president Lech Walesa and Pope John Paul II to the fall of communism.

"In a turbulent world, Poland stands as an example and defender of freedom," Romney said. "The world should pay close attention to the transformation of Poland's economy. A march toward economic liberty and smaller government has meant a march toward higher living standards, a strong military that defends liberty at home and abroad, and an important and growing role on the international stage."

Romney's trip to Poland was aimed, in part, at appealing to Polish-American voters in states such as Michigan and Wisconsin, where the candidate hopes to do well.

Before his speech, the candidate laid a wreath at Poland's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and stopped to look at a new memorial to Pope John Paul II.

One of Romney's aides, Rick Gorka, had an exchange with reporters who tried to ask the likely GOP nominee questions about missteps during the trip. Gorka told reporters to "show some respect" at the Polish holy site, and also said "kiss my ass" and "shove it." Politico reports he later called reporters to apologize.