As war rages on in Iraq, and American casualties surpass the 4,000 mark, President George W. Bush shows his support of U.S. soldiers by making the ultimate sacrifice himself - he stopped playing golf.

During a White House interview on Tuesday, POLITICO caught this quote from the Free World’s leader about his decision to stay off the links while U.S. troops try to stay alive:

“I don’t want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander in chief playing golf. I feel I owe it to the families to be in solidarity as best as I can with them. And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal.”

Bush’s change of course about the golf course came in 2003, when the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad were bombed, killing top UN official & human rights commissioner Sergio Vieira de Mello:

“I remember when de Mello, who was at the U.N., got killed in Baghdad as a result of these murderers taking this good man’s life,” he said. “I was playing golf — I think I was in central Texas — and they pulled me off the golf course and I said, ‘It’s just not worth it anymore to do.’”

Plus, he was already six shots over par.

So, how are veterans handling news of Bush’s noble sacrifice? Surprisingly, they’re not too appreciative. THE PRESS ASSOCIATION tees up reaction from Brandon Friedman, vice chairman of the VoteVets organization and an infantry officer who served in Iraq & Afghanistan:

“For President Bush to imply that he somehow stands in solidarity with families of American soldiers by giving up golf is disgraceful. It’s an insult to all Americans and a slap in the face to our troops’ families.”

Mr Friedman went on: “It just shows he’s a guy who doesn’t understand the idea of sacrifice for your country and military service. Giving up golf is not a sacrifice.

“It shows how disconnected he is from everyday Americans, especially those who are serving in Iraq and their families. It shows he can in no way relate to them.”

He added: “I just wonder what past commanders-in-chief would think of this, looking down upon this guy.”

Depends on how their handicaps compare.

On the flip side, what about the good people at Titleist, Callaway and other golf companies whose very livelihood depends on drivers like Bush to take trips to the local course? Should they not see some presidential solidarity as well?

Anyway, this must mean that Annika Sorenstam is a Real American Hero.