Former US president Bill Clinton hailed the sisters of murder victim Robert McCartney at an awards ceremony for winning "respect and admiration all around the world".
He delivered a special video message to them as part of the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards.
The sisters and Robert's fiancée were given a special award recognising their quest for justice after Robert was stabbed to death outside a pub in Belfast city centre in January this year.
Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair and wife Cherie present Robert McCarntney's sisters and fiancee with the award
In the message played at the awards at London Television Centre, Mr Clinton said: "Your fight for justice born out of the tragic loss of Robert and your efforts to bring his assailants to trial have won you respect and admiration all around the world, not least here in the United States.
"Because you stood up against those who wanted to silence you and continued to speak out despite intimidation and threats, I have no doubt that your campaign contributed to the historic changes that have recently taken place in Northern Ireland," he said.
The short message ended: "Hilary and I send you our congratulations, our hopes and our prayers. You are the pride of Britain and the pride of all those across the globe who fight for peace and justice. God bless you."
Prime Minister Tony Blair, who presented the award with his wife, Cherie, said: "It gives me great pleasure to honour the McCartney sisters whose fight is a fight for justice. They have fought it in the most extraordinary and difficult circumstances.
"They deserve, in my judgement, the admiration of everyone."
Last night's award follows a relentless campaign by the sisters who always maintained the IRA were involved in their brother's killing.
PA