On the 25th anniversary of the attacks that reshaped America, former Secret Service agent Darren Kinder returns to Point of View to share how the day still reverberates in his life and in the nation’s collective memory.

Why 9/11 Still Resonates 25 Years Later

Kinder recalls the moment a red light flashed over the World Trade Center and the instinct that drove him to abandon his clean suit for a battered one. That image, he says, became a symbol of the sudden shift from normalcy to crisis and the way the nation had to confront an unprecedented threat. He notes that, even after two decades, the event continues to shape how Americans think about security, faith, and the fragility of everyday life.

From a Dirty Suit to a Call for Courage

In his book Bury Me in a Dirty Suit, Kinder explains how the experience of being on the ground during the attack led him to a deeper sense of purpose. He has used the story of the “dirty suit” to speak to men across the country, urging them to move beyond comfort and to embrace the kind of courage that the nation’s leaders and ordinary citizens needed on that day. The book and his ministry focus on helping men discover and live out a God‑centered purpose amid chaos.

Facing a New Threat: Radical Islam and the Fairford Incident

During the interview, Kinder discusses a recent case in Fairford, UK, where five men were arrested for plotting an attack on a U.S. bomber base. He uses the incident to illustrate that the threat of radical Islam remains real and that the United States must remain vigilant. He asks listeners to consider whether the nation has learned enough from 9/11 to recognize and counter evolving threats, and he emphasizes the importance of staying alert both abroad and at home.

Equipping Men for Purpose in a Changing World

Beyond the national security conversation, Kinder speaks about the need for a new kind of men’s ministry—one that encourages men to step out of safety and into action. He shares how he mentors young men, helping them navigate questions of identity, family, and faith, and how he believes that purposeful living can transform communities. His message is that the lessons from 9/11, when applied to everyday life, can inspire a generation of men to live with courage and conviction.

To hear the full conversation, including Kinder’s reflections on 9/11, radical Islam, and his vision for men’s ministry, listen to the complete episode of Point of View.